Renthia Kaimbi
A newly developed national gender-based violence (GBV) digital application will soon allow the public to report abuse, access support services and obtain verified information securely.
The minister of gender equality and child welfare, Emma Kantema, recently announced the tool as part of the country’s response to rising physical and digital violence.
The app, created in partnership with the European Union (EU) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), forms part of a broader push to strengthen digital safety.
Kantema said the platform is being finalised alongside the Cybercrime Bill, which is under review by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology.
“I am confident that once enacted, this law will provide stronger legal protection for victims of online abuse,” she said.
The announcement came as Namibia joined the global 16 days of activism against gender-based violence campaign, running from 25 November to 10 December under the theme “Unite to end digital violence against all women and girls.”
Kantema highlighted the severity of violence in the country. According to the ministry nearly one in three Namibian women aged 15 to 49 has experienced physical violence.
Police data shows 4 405 GBV cases recorded between April 2024 and February 2025, though she warned that many cases go unreported due to fear, stigma and limited access to help.
She connected Namibia’s situation to the global crisis, where 736 million women have faced physical or sexual violence.
She said digital platforms have become a growing space for abuse.
“As technology advances, so do platforms for harassment, cyberbullying, exploitation, and the non-consensual sharing of personal information,” she said.
She pointed to a Unicef disrupting harm report showing that 9% of Namibian internet-using children aged 12 to 17 have experienced online sexual exploitation.
Kantema urged communities to break the silence that often surrounds abuse.
“We live in a society that too often turns a blind eye to violence. Too often, parents shield perpetrators to keep family peace. This is our business; these are our children,” she said.
The campaign is also targeting men and boys. While women and girls face the highest risk, she said the ministry continues to support programmes that help men manage emotions and challenge harmful norms.
“Statistically, they are the majority of offenders,” she said.
Activities during the 16 days include a National Male Conference in Katima Mulilo and community engagement sessions.
Human Rights Day will be commemorated in Katima Mulilo on Wednesday, marking the end of the 16 Days campaign.
