I COME from Outapi, capital of the Omusati Region and heart of Owamboland.
It is full of culture, tradition, and oppression. It is time more public attention is given to Outapi.Thanks to the courage of a couple of women, this is beginning in the press over issues surrounding the rape allegations against Amadhila.But it is not enough.There is a gang of wealthy businessmen who call Outapi home.For a long time there has been gossip of assault, but women fear these men and their followers, so they stay quiet.Few community members will speak truth about them, for fear of making powerful enemies.So, the community continues watching as these men have their way in Outapi.Not all women get to know these men against their will.Many somehow feel proud, excited, attractive, or more worthy when they get attention from these men.Jealousy and insecurity have divided women, so we are becoming our own worst enemy.In our tradition, women are inferior and men abuse us; it will take time and be difficult to reverse this tradition, but we must begin the work.We are talented, creative, and beautiful, and WE ARE WORTH MORE.Let us be direct, give honest advice, and help protect one another.Be careful and keep your guard up.For our future, for our daughters, for our dignity, we must stop being taken advantage of.Send these men to bed alone.Is it too much to ask the Government, RACOC, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Gender, etc.to establish practical programmes that would help empower women rather than waste money on worthless workshops? I understand they would suffer from less S & T, and maybe the men would also suffer from more empowered women, but I believe it is time for that sacrifice.Concerned Resident OutapiIt is time more public attention is given to Outapi.Thanks to the courage of a couple of women, this is beginning in the press over issues surrounding the rape allegations against Amadhila.But it is not enough.There is a gang of wealthy businessmen who call Outapi home.For a long time there has been gossip of assault, but women fear these men and their followers, so they stay quiet.Few community members will speak truth about them, for fear of making powerful enemies.So, the community continues watching as these men have their way in Outapi.Not all women get to know these men against their will.Many somehow feel proud, excited, attractive, or more worthy when they get attention from these men.Jealousy and insecurity have divided women, so we are becoming our own worst enemy.In our tradition, women are inferior and men abuse us; it will take time and be difficult to reverse this tradition, but we must begin the work.We are talented, creative, and beautiful, and WE ARE WORTH MORE.Let us be direct, give honest advice, and help protect one another.Be careful and keep your guard up.For our future, for our daughters, for our dignity, we must stop being taken advantage of.Send these men to bed alone.Is it too much to ask the Government, RACOC, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Gender, etc.to establish practical programmes that would help empower women rather than waste money on worthless workshops? I understand they would suffer from less S & T, and maybe the men would also suffer from more empowered women, but I believe it is time for that sacrifice.Concerned Resident Outapi
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