Maria David
THE Namibian Police Force recorded a total of 4,814 gender-based violence (GBV) cases countrywide during the 2023/24 financial year, with the Khomas Region registering the highest number of 758 cases, followed by Erongo with 493 and Oshana with 463.
This was revealed by the Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare (MGEPESW), Doreen Sioka, during the launch of the Commemoration of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on Monday.
Sioka said that gender-based violence is recognized as a violation of human rights, affecting everyone but disproportionately impacting women and girls.
“The priority focus on women and girls is based on evidence showing that they are most significantly and disproportionately affected by violence. According to the Demographic Health Survey (2013), Namibia has a GBV prevalence rate of 33%,” she said.
She highlighted that since its inception, the 16 Days of Activism has served as an organizing strategy to call for the elimination of violence against women by raising awareness about GBV as a human rights issue at community, national, regional, and international levels.
Sioka expressed particular concern about the rising number of sexual abuse cases involving children, stating that in some instances, perpetrators are biological fathers, family members, caregivers, or neighbors—individuals entrusted with the responsibility to protect these children and ensure their safety.
“Apart from the government’s investment in GBV prevention and response, I would like to acknowledge the contributions of development partners, civil society, churches, and the private sector. Every effort toward ending violence against women and girls brings us closer to achieving a safer and more equal society for all,” she added.
She emphasized the support provided by the German Government, through the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), in combating GBV via the Partnerships for Prevention of Gender-Based Violence in Southern Africa (PFP-II).
Sioka said that this support focuses on developing evidence-based, collaborative flagship programs for GBV prevention and strengthening stakeholders’ individual and institutional capacities for implementation.
The flagship programs include GBV prevention in informal settlements, school-based GBV prevention, initiatives involving religious actors, and digital solutions for GBV prevention. Additionally, the project supports the Ministry in key priority areas.
