Allexer Namundjebo
Psychologist Shaun Wittker says gender-based violence (GBV) awareness efforts should not be occasional but ongoing to change deep-rooted patriarchal mindsets.
“The campaigns are done mainly to change the mindset, especially of patriarchal men, and I think the campaigns are very important,” Wittker said.
He urged that these efforts become a regular part of national conversations, not just short bursts of activism.
Wittker also called for early education by targeting high schools.
“We should make efforts to focus on high schools. Let us have our young men and women start debating and discussing these issues in their debate societies,” he said.
He believes this will help build gender equity awareness from a young age.
He linked patriarchy to structural violence and high unemployment.
“Patriarchy has been in existence for decades, and it is a form of violence linked to structural violence,” Wittker said. “We also need to address the issue of unemployment. It is another way of bringing the level of violence down.”
Namibia is stepping up its fight against gender-based violence (GBV) with new campaigns and calls for lasting change.
Next week, Information Minister Emma Theofelus and Gender Equality and Child Welfare Minister Emma Kantema-Gaomas will launch the #EndGBVNamibia campaign at UN Plaza in Windhoek.
Theofelus expressed concern about the rising GBV cases nationwide.
“The government calls on all people to get involved in combating GBV-related cases, whether in schools or homes,” she said. “This is not who we are as a nation. This is not a character of the Namibian house we want to build.”
Namibia’s response to GBV has grown steadily since 2019, involving government, civil society, and international partners.
That year, the #MeTooNamibia movement began in Windhoek.
The campaign supports survivors of sexual violence and raises awareness about abuse and harassment.
The annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence runs from November 25 to December 10.
It includes community dialogues, public demonstrations, and educational outreach across the country.
In October 2020, the killing of Shannon Wasserfall sparked the #ShutItAllDown protests.
These youth-led demonstrations pushed for justice and stronger action on GBV.
The protests increased pressure on institutions to respond.
In 2021, the Amplified Project launched with support from UNFPA Namibia and Regain Trust.
It works to empower civil society and educate adolescents about GBV and sexual and reproductive health.
In 2024, new awareness efforts used sports as a tool for change.
The Football for Change tournament, backed by UNFPA, involved communities in the anti-GBV movement.
The Namibia Football Association also received training to help fight GBV in their areas.
