Matheus David 

During a period when Gender-Based Violence continues to increase across Namibia and Africa, experts warn that men and boys are still the ‘silent victims whose pain is often ignored by the very systems meant to protect them.’ 

This message was emphasised by Horname Noagbesenu, acting director of Women, Youth, Peace and Security at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), during the regional GBV training and in discussions about International Men’s Day. 

She said the systems don’t trust men, and they don’t trust the systems. Additionally, the KAIPTC’s research across the continent revealed a disturbing trend that men and boys often experience GBV but are the least likely to speak out. 

“Many people in our trainings, including men, women, boys, girls, and even persons with disabilities, have personally experienced gender-based violence. However, men, in particular, do not trust the systems in place. Their cases are often treated as family matters or dismissed outright,” she shared. 

According to Noagbesenu, the justice system, police, social workers, and other institutions frequently lack the tools, sensitivity, and training required to handle male victims. She said in many cases the police, judiciary, and social services don’t have the skills to manage these cases. Men fear being laughed at, rejected, or told to ‘man up’. 

“This is why we emphasise the power of advocacy in our training, to push for institutions to recognise all victims,” she noted. 

Men’s day 

The //Kharas region hosted International Men’s Day yesterday, with a call to uplift boys and men who are often left out of discussions about safety and wellbeing. 

//Kharas governor Dawid Gertze said empowering men is not about competing with women’s struggles but about ensuring balance in society. He said uplifting and empowering men and the boy child is important, and that families, communities, and institutions must hold hands and build stronger men for a stronger future. 

Elrico Slinger from the Community Policing Sub-Division of the Namibian Police urged men to avoid turning to crime as a way to cope with stress, frustration, or abuse. “A criminal record remains with you until you die, and sometimes it hinders your future progress,” he warned. 

Rev. Deacon Michael Wimmerth of the Roman Catholic Church in Keetmanshoop said communities must walk with boys from an early age to prevent the cycle of silence and violence. 

“Uplifting the boy child makes a difference. We must accompany our children to build a future,” he said. -matheusshitongenidavid@ gmail.com