Swaziland is a beautiful country with a proud past and a desperate future. It has the highest prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in the world at 32 per cent. Life expectancy is about 30 years. The middle generation is gone and grandmothers care for the many orphans - some in both generations are HIV positive.

The king of Swaziland is young and was educated in Britain. He has 15 wives and polygamy is also widely practiced among the rest of the population. Women currently have no rights to own property, to have bank accounts, to report abuse, to have any say in the government. They are hoping for change soon.

Some clauses of a draft constitution that includes rights for women were explained at a workshop in Manzini on International Women's Day in March to a gathering of 800 women. It was a revelation to them. Norine Baron was present to hear the presentations and to participate in the rally as part of a Stephen Lewis Foundation visit.

Come to "Our Swazi Sisters" at the L.E. Shore Library, Thornbury on Friday, September 5 at 7:00 p.m. Baron will be sharing the stories of women in Swaziland.

Amnesty International, Group 82, along with the Grey Grannies group, is offering the presentation. The event coincides closely with Grandparents Day to bring awareness to the situation for grandmothers in Africa.

For more information see the links provided. You can also contact Debbie at 519-538-1015.