Witbooi calls on churches to help combat GBV

Vice president Lucia Witbooi has called on churches and communities to intensify efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and support survivors.

Witbooi was speaking at the Women’s World Day of Prayer in Windhoek on Saturday.

“The church continues to play a critical role in promoting justice, dignity and social transformation,” she said.

The global observance brings together Christian women from more than 180 countries.

Witbooi said while Namibia has made progress in advancing human rights and social justice, GBV remains one of the most painful challenges confronting society.

“This violence shatters families, erodes trust within communities, and undermines the very foundations of peace and dignity,” she said.

Witbooi emphasised that behind every statistic is a human life – a daughter, mother, sister or child whose dignity must be protected.

Witbooi urged churches to continue providing care and support to survivors while challenging harmful attitudes and cultural practices that perpetuate violence.

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