Efforts to eliminate GBV intensified: Nghipondoka-Robiati

WINDHOEK, 11 DEC (NAMPA) – The Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare has intensified efforts to eliminate gender-based violence (GBV) through the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV.
This campaign is an international initiative designed to raise awareness and promote action against violence targeting women, men, boys, and girls.
The ministry’s Executive Director, Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati in an interview on Monday, told Nampa that the campaign was aimed to raise public, private, media, law enforcement, and State agents’ awareness about violence, women’s human rights, and violence against women, men, boys, and girls. It also aims to strengthen national intervention programmes, community networks, and improve national GBV services.
She said during the 2023/24 financial year, the Namibian Police Force NamPol) recorded 4 814 GBV-related cases countrywide, of which the Khomas Region recorded the highest at 758, followed by Erongo and Oshana with 493 and 463, respectively.
“The priority focus on women and girls is based on the evidence that women and girls are most significantly and disproportionately affected by violence. This is happening in every country of the world, including Namibia,” Nghipondoka-Robiati said.
The ED further encouraged those who are affected by GBV to seek help, saying that services are available at GBV Protective Units under NamPol aimed at providing effective comprehensive services to GBV survivors and their families. “Let’s promote a culture of peace at all levels. Let’s take care of our children, we have the responsibility to protect them by ensuring that they are safe and free from abuse,” Nghipondoka-Robiati urged.
The 16 days of activism against the GBV campaign was launched on 25 November and concluded on 10 December 2024.
NAMPA
ESH/EK/HP