Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, Doreen Sioka, on Thursday launched the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (GBV), aimed at increasing awareness on the acts and incidences of GBV.
The launch took place in Windhoek under the theme “Orange the World: End Violence Against Women Now!
The minister said that the colour orange symbolises a brighter future free from violence and demonstrates solidarity in the elimination of all forms of violence, where women and children are protected and cared for, a future where both the girl and boy child are encouraged and supported to complete their education and contribute to the development of the country.
“During 16 days of activism, members of National GBV and Human Rights clusters jointly planned several activities to take place countrywide. These activities include GBV messages by national leaders, civil societies, churches, traditional authorities, development partners; GBV community conversations at constituency levels; dramas; panel discussions; as well as television and radio discussions,” said Sioka.
She added that people should have conversations on GBV-related issues in their houses, workplaces and in communities, as well as encouraging those that are suffering to come out and seek help, which is available at GBV Protective Units under the Namibian Police Force, aimed at providing effective and comprehensive services to GBV victims and their families.
“The Namibian government, through its various offices, ministries and agencies, together with its stakeholders, has implemented various initiatives, policies and programmes to address GBV. These include holding of two national GBV conferences in 2014 and 2017, with the objectives to dialogue the situation of GBV in Namibia and to strengthen and develop strategies to effectively fight GBV,” stated Sioka.
Speaking at the same occasion, United Nation Resident Coordinator, Sen Peng, said violence against woman and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in the world today, and remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it.
“The adverse psychological, sexual and reproductive health consequences affect woman at all stages of their lives,” said Peng.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
