Lobamba – The 2026 SPAR Women’s Challenge was officially launched yesterday at the Mountain View Hotel, ushering in a nationwide call to recognize and celebrate women under the theme #CelebrateHer.
The event, organised by Athletics Eswatini, aims to go beyond being a race by promoting empowerment, inclusivity, and mental health awareness for women across the Kingdom.
Her Honourable Deputy Prime Minister, Thulisile Dladla, represented by Hon. Minister Jane Mkhonta, delivered the keynote address, calling on society to use sport as a tool for empowerment. She spoke on ensuring safe participation, enforcing a zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence, and making sure no woman is left behind. 
Hon. Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, described the SPAR Women’s Challenge as a platform to bring women’s issues to the national stage and strengthen female participation in sports.
Athletics Eswatini President Zakhele Dlamini said the organisation remains committed to grassroots development for young girls, promoting women in leadership roles, and delivering events that meet international standards. He also thanked the SPAR Group for sponsoring the challenge and supporting women’s empowerment through sport.
The official launch took place at the EOCGA Offices, Olympafrica, Lobamba Sports Centre, with plans for nationwide participation and a focus on uniting women through sport on 27 June 2026.
