Namibia makes progress on reducing GBV – Geingob

President Hage Geingob says the country has made significant progress on addressing violence against women.

He says the Combatting of Domestic Violence Act and the Affirmative Action Act have made progress on fighting gender-based violence (GBV) and discrimination.

“These laws aim to protect victims, promote gender equality, and ensure women’s representation in decision-making,” he said in a statement.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is observed annually on 25 November.

This year’s theme is ‘Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls’.

The president highlighted the role of the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, as well as specialised units within the Namibian Police in reducing and mitigating the damage violence causes.

The president also urged Namibian men to be at the forefront of the fight against GBV, and to create a safer society for all.

“As a nation, we must strive to create an environment in which survivors feel safe to come forward, where perpetrators are held accountable for their actions, and where support services are readily available. Let us renew our commitment to building a Namibia where the scourge of violence against women becomes a distant memory,” he said.

Earlier this year the United Nations Population Fund reported that at least 32% of Namibian women have experienced physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner at some point in their lives.