Windhoek: Namibia's leadership has prioritised the welfare and empowerment of young men with the launch of the DEN Impact Foundation in Windhoek on Tuesday.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the initiative, founded and chaired by First Gentleman Lieutenant General Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, aims to implement targeted programmes to tackle the escalating social, educational, and mental health issues affecting boys.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare emphasised that while Namibia's progress in empowering women and girls is essential, a concurrent "boy crisis" must also be addressed. "There is a massive and growing global conversation about boys being left behind, particularly in education, mental health, and social development. For decades, discussions have focused heavily on empowering the girl child. While that work remains vital, data show that a parallel 'boy crisis' has emerged, and experts, including those at the Office of the First Gentleman, are actively debating how to address it," he remarked.
According to police statistics, in 2023/24, Namibia reported 542 male suicide deaths compared to 80 female deaths, with 98 out of 122 recorded victims being male by March 2026. The prime minister warned that neglecting these issues threatens national stability and public safety.
He stated that the DEN Impact Foundation has been established to address this widening divide in line with Namibia's Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). "Focusing on boys and young men is critical to nation-building because their social, economic, and emotional development directly shapes a country's future stability. Neglecting this demographic leads to higher dropout rates, rising crime, and economic disengagement, making their support essential for sustainable national growth," he said.
The foundation collaborates with government ministries and private stakeholders to deliver targeted programmes in discipline, sports, agriculture, and education. By transitioning sports from mere competition to a focus on holistic personal development and positive male mentorship, the foundation seeks to redefine traditional masculinity, challenge the stigma surrounding mental health support, and equip young men for impactful civic leadership.
Ngurare emphasised that addressing the challenges faced by boys is not a competition with women's empowerment but a vital component of a balanced and inclusive society. Through extensive outreach across all 14 regions and 121 constituencies, the initiative engages traditional leaders, faith communities, businesses, and parents to ensure that every boy feels valued, supported, and afforded equal opportunities to succeed.