Staff Reporter<\/p>\n\n\n\n
THE Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Child Welfare has stated that despite operational challenges faced by Gender-Based Violence (GBV) shelters due to a shortage of staff, the eight centres across the country are accommodating 12 adults and 14 children, providing them with a safe haven from the hardships they endure. According to statistics from the Namibian Police, the country recorded 5,320 cases of gender-based violence, mostly perpetrated against women and children, last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking in Parliament, Doreen Sioka, the Minister of Gender Equality, refuted reports suggesting that none of the eight GBV shelters are operational.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I would like to address the issue concerning the operational status of government-owned gender-based violence (GBV) shelters in our nation. Recent reports have indicated that these shelters face significant challenges due to a shortage of staff, resulting in operational limitations. I would like to provide an update on the current situation and the actions being taken to address these concerns,” Sioka said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Minister stated that statistics provided on 10 October 2023 confirm the presence of individuals in the government-owned GBV shelters across the country. “These figures reveal that, despite operational challenges, the shelters continue to offer crucial support under the care and supervision of social workers. There are 12 adults and 14 children accommodated in these shelters, providing them with a safe haven from the hardships they face,” Sioka said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Gender Minister further emphasized that addressing GBV is a multi-faceted and long-term endeavour. She added that the government also provides subsidies to private shelters, amounting to N$2 million.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We are determined to provide necessary care to GBV survivors. We confront these challenges head-on. The safety and welfare of our citizens are paramount. The government works closely with the private sector and NGOs, having established 18 centres in 8 regions, with a budget of N$2 million. The Ministry places vulnerable children in these facilities,” Sioka said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Staff Reporter THE Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Child Welfare has stated that despite operational challenges faced by Gender-Based Violence (GBV) shelters due to a shortage of staff, the eight centres across the country are accommodating 12 adults and 14 children, providing them with a safe haven from the hardships they endure. According …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":350209,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33,24],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-350208","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-breaking-news","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n