‘Let us say yes to ending gender-based violence in Namibia’

How many cases of gender-based violence (GBV) do we hear about that are withdrawn by victims? Economic and socio-cultural factors like family intervention and fear of consequences are often the cause.

This will only stop when we address these issues, showing us that GBV is complex and has many faces to it.

I look forward to a time when we are comfortable talking about GBV without being embarrassed, and we are willing to expose the perpetrators.

This is when the real change will happen. The topic of GBV is shrouded in secrecy, taboo, stigma, shame and fear, so we do not talk about it. I am challenged by the quote by the late Desmond Tutu, who said, “The fact is, rape is utterly commonplace in all our cultures.

It is part of the fabric of everyday life, yet we all act as if it’s something shocking and extraordinary whenever it hits the headlines. We remain silent, and so we condone it… Until rape and the structures – sexism, inequality and tradition – that make it possible are part of our dinner-table conversation with the next generation, it will continue. Is it polite and comfortable to talk about it? No. Must we anyway? Yes. To protect our children, we must talk to them about rape.”

Thirty years ago, the United Nations Beijing Declaration and Platform – a resolution about equality between men and women – was adopted, and provided an opportune moment to take stock of gender dynamics. Sadly, even as we are on the eve of celebrating three decades of commitment to gender equality, we are still talking about breaking the silence. Admittedly, more people are speaking out, but negative behaviours, norms and cultural practices remain prevalent. Victims of GBV still fear reporting their experiences due to retaliation and the stigma of abuse, resulting in far too many voices being silenced. The true statistics on GBV are grossly under-reported, and perpetrators get away with this heinous crime, violating human rights and disregarding women and girls’ dignity, safety and well-being. Accelerated efforts are required if we are going to reach all the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets by 2030.

This year, the ‘16 Days of Activism against GBV’ campaign has just begun, running from 25 November to 10 December, and presents an opportunity to challenge violence against girls and women.

The fact that GBV prevails in our schools, homes, communities, cities and countries, means the war against this scourge is not over.
Sixteen days are not enough; throughout the year, messages must be reiterated, and the momentum must be sustained.

For us to win the fight, let us say ‘yes’ to ending GBV in Namibia, break the silence and end the violence. Given its high prevalence in Namibia, GBV is everyone’s business; citizens and political leaders alike must play their part. Uniting in this cause, adopting a multi-pronged approach and coordinating among ourselves – be it government, civil society, the private sector, development partners, schools, family members, survivors, perpetrators, churches and traditional leaders – is imperative.

Let us foster spaces that encourage conversations around GBV, and equip and empower survivors. Let us strengthen law enforcement and justice systems to ensure that women and marginalised groups, including children, have meaningful access to gender-responsive justice where they can seek help without fear of negative consequences. Let us bring more partners on board, who will take up the baton and amplify the message like a broken record so it sinks in and propels us towards change for a better world for our children and grandchildren.

Lastly, I applaud and pay tribute to organisations and individuals that actively and tirelessly advocate for gender equality, lobby against GBV and provide psychosocial support to victims and survivors.

For support, please reach out:

• GBV National Toll-free Hel pline: 106
• Lifeline/Childline Toll-free Namibia: 116

*Hopolang Phororo is the UN resident coordinator in Namibia. This article is published as part of the collaboration between the United Nations, The Namibian, Desert Radio 95.3FM, NFA, and Namdeb as part of the ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence’.