Gender violence in the spotlight again

NAMIBIA is gearing up for another 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, and this year’s official commemoration will take place at the southern village of Kalkrand.

The Ministry of Gender Equality yesterday stated that this venue was chosen in remembrance of several women from the Hardap Region who have been murdered and dismembered over the last three years by what is believed to be the country’s first serial killer. “The event is scheduled for the Hardap Region this year following a series of notorious attacks by the so-called B1 Butcher, which has seen most of the victims coming from that part of the country.The aim is to raise awareness among the people to be vigilant and pro-active in fighting against such barbaric and cowardice actions,” a statement by the Ministry reads.This year is the 16th year that the international campaign has been commemorated since its inception in 1991.The campaign officially starts on November 25, which has become known as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.It ends on December 10, on International Human Rights Day, which is also celebrated in Namibia as the Day of the Namibian Woman.A number of marches and other activities are scheduled to take place countrywide during this period.”The event is scheduled for the Hardap Region this year following a series of notorious attacks by the so-called B1 Butcher, which has seen most of the victims coming from that part of the country.The aim is to raise awareness among the people to be vigilant and pro-active in fighting against such barbaric and cowardice actions,” a statement by the Ministry reads.This year is the 16th year that the international campaign has been commemorated since its inception in 1991.The campaign officially starts on November 25, which has become known as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.It ends on December 10, on International Human Rights Day, which is also celebrated in Namibia as the Day of the Namibian Woman.A number of marches and other activities are scheduled to take place countrywide during this period.