Niël Terblanché
A new campaign to stop gender-based violence in the country, the #EndGBVNamibia campaign, was launched in Windhoek on Wednesday.
The initiative aims to tackle gender-based violence through prevention, support, and public education.
At the launch, the minister of gender equality and child welfare, Emma Kantema, reaffirmed the government’s stance on the issue.
“The Namibian government has taken a zero-tolerance stance against gender-based violence,” she said.
The zero-tolerance position, first declared by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during her State of the Nation Address in April, forms the foundation of the campaign.
“We gather not just to launch a campaign, but to reaffirm a national commitment, a commitment to end gender-based violence across Namibia,” Kantema said.
The campaign responds to alarming statistics. Kantema said nearly one in three women aged 15 to 49 in Namibia has experienced physical violence from an intimate partner.
Last year, the Namibian Police recorded over 4 400 GBV cases, including more than 1 300 rapes.
“These are not mere numbers; they are lives forever changed,” she said.
Perpetrators are often repeat offenders, and without early intervention, violence continues.
“This highlights the urgent need not only to support survivors but also to prevent violence before it starts,” Kantema said.
She described the campaign as a tool to shift mindsets.
“Break the silence and inspire collective responsibility,” she said, adding that campaigns like this empower survivors to seek justice.
Kantema praised her ministry’s efforts, including specialised police units in every region, training frontline workers, and raising awareness through digital and grassroots platforms.
“Violence against any person is unacceptable,” she said.
Kantema highlighted the involvement of First Gentleman Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, who mentors boys across Namibia.
“His dedication to uplifting the boy child is vital to the success of this campaign because it reminds us all that nurturing positive values early on is key to ending violence,” she said.
Namibia’s efforts align with a broader continental initiative. In February, the African Union adopted the Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, which Kantema described as a landmark legal instrument.
Kantema called for community participation.
She urged Namibians to watch their peers, report abuse, support survivors, and challenge harmful practices that perpetuate violence.
“To everyone here today, regardless of your gender, nationality, or race, we want to say clearly: you are safe to speak out. The law protects you. Your voice matters,” she said.
She called for action based on unity and dignity.
“Let us pledge now to end GBV in our lifetime. Let us be champions of change and ambassadors of hope.”
The campaign launch included a public march down Independence Avenue.
Participants came from the government, civil society, faith-based organisations, schools, and the diplomatic community.
