Windhoek: The One Economy Foundation has issued a call for enhanced responses to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Namibia, following concerning statistics released by the Namibian Police Force. Last year, over 4,400 GBV cases were documented nationwide, including more than 1,300 rape cases reported between April 2024 and February 2025.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the foundation stressed that these figures highlight a pervasive and systematic issue within society. The organization expressed serious concerns about the effectiveness of current legal frameworks and law enforcement, societal attitudes toward gender roles and violence, and the adequacy of prevention and support systems for survivors and their families.

The foundation characterized last year's GBV and rape statistics as indicative of a severe human rights and public health crisis in Namibia. While acknowledging some progress in combating GBV, the organization emphasized the importance of educating professionals across various fields about trauma and GBV-related responses.

The foundation proposed comprehensive training for police officers, social workers, judges, and prosecutors at GBV units in trauma-informed, survivor-centered approaches. They urged the government to establish specialized GBV courts with victim-friendly facilities in all regions or fast-track mechanisms to prevent delays and improve judicial outcomes.

To further address the issue, the foundation recommended utilizing mobile clinics, community paralegals, and village-based outreach workers for community engagement. They also advocated for promoting positive masculinity and non-violent behavior through mentorship, peer education, and media initiatives, suggesting the establishment of secure environments for men to discuss topics such as gender, power, and relationships.