President Hage Geingob has said incidences of rape in Namibia must not only be severely reduced, but must be totally eradicated as it is a vile crime which demeans people and violates their dignity.
Geingob made the remarks virtually on Tuesday while officially opening the fifth session of the seventh Parliament.
He said Members of Parliament (MPs) have various bills to table this year, including the Combating of Rape Amendment Bill which will greatly assist in combating, curbing and eliminating incidences of rape.
“Perpetrators should receive the heaviest punishment under our laws to deter them from committing this evil,” said Geingob.
He added that similarly, the passing of the Combating of Domestic Violence Amendment Bill is aimed at stamping out gender-based violence (GBV), which Namibians have been crying out for over 30 years. The bill should serve as a serious reminder to offenders and would-be offenders that GBV is a taboo in Namibia and punishable through heavy prison sentences, the president said.
“We are all aware that when it comes to rape and domestic violence, our men are the biggest offenders. Women are no longer viewed as second class citizens who are expected to be obedient and subservient to their husbands. Let’s just accept that times have changed and that men and women are now viewed as equal partners. It is also a sad reality that while men are drinking in bars, women are progressing socially, academically and economically. When one attends graduation ceremonies, one sees more girls than boys. When one attends church as I do, one sees more girls in church than boys,” stated Geingob.
He further added that this trend is starting to show in the corporate world, where women are starting to occupy higher positions and some may even be higher earners than their husbands, which can frustrate male chauvinists and result in aggression.
“I appeal to my fellow men. Let us become exemplary husbands, fathers and protectors of our families. Let’s turn a new leaf in this year – the Year of Reimaging,” Geingob said.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
