‘Hurt women hurt others’

End toxic relationships and put yourself first.

This was the message of two murder-convicted women who spoke at the Namibia National Women’s Conference on gender-based violence (GBV) in Windhoek on Friday.

Namibia Correctional Service deputy commissioner Mariana Martin, who attended the conference, said women who have been harmed tend to harm others.

The conference was organised by the Namibia National Men’s Conference under the theme ‘It Is Well, My Darling – We Are All In This Fight Against Violence’.

The primary goal of the event was to create a supportive and informative environment in which women can learn how to protect themselves, understand their rights and empower themselves economically and socially.

The founder of the Namibia National Men’s Conference, Fillemon Amoolongo, also known as DJ Munene, said: “Women are the most frequent victims of GBV and it is crucial to provide them with a dedicated platform to address the root causes and seek effective solutions.”

The event considered the factors causing GBV, including financial dependence, harmful gender norms and the devastating cycle of abuse.

An additional factor is sexual relationships for financial relief.

“You will not escape it. Sometimes you say I can’t . . . Do it. If you don’t do it, who will?” Amoolongo asked.

Various speakers shared their expertise and experiences.

Businesswoman Sarah Elago said women play an important role in society and should always be proud of who and what they are.

She encouraged young women to be mindful when establishing their identity and to choose good role models.

Martin called on the two convicted women who are currently serving their sentences for murder to share their experience.

Both said they had been in extremely abusive relationships with their victims, but still take accountability for their actions.

Martin said GBV victims often tend to become offenders of other crimes, such as drug-related offences.

Another contributing factor to women’s incarceration is mental health issues, like postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, she said.

Amoolongo said the organisation plans to make the conference an annual event for women to engage in conversations that could put an end to the crisis.

The conference was sponsored by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Namibia, Namibia Qualifications Authority, Omulunga radio, and One Africa.