Rudolf Gaiseb
The Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) of Namibia has suggested that the Namibian government should establish a national council of gender-based violence (GBV) to deter and respond to the issue in the country.
“We urge the Office of the President and relevant government ministries to consider the formalisation of a legal framework through the establishment of a statutory body to address GBV, such as the establishment of a National Council on GBV through an Act, similar to the one introduced in South Africa,” said AFM pastor Sidney Boois.
He was speaking at a press conference on 6 September 2024 in Windhoek.
He said the council could be responsible for driving a multi-sectoral and inter-sectoral agenda for better coordination as well as men’s and boys’ responsive budgets and programmes.
The council could also be tasked with providing funds for boys and men through fishing quotas, sin tax levies and facilities to create male-friendly environments and farms in regions for agricultural training.
The church also held a national men’s conference over the weekend in Okahandja to instil biblical values and standards to address and help stop GBV in the country.
“As a nation and the world at large, we are facing the undermining of human development and positive social cohesion, which render visible challenges, such as poverty, high unemployment and increased crime rates, resulting in an unsafe society, escalating aggression and anger, followed by invisible enemies, such as depression, distress and mental illness,” he said.
The AFM of Namibia believes that for the betterment of every family, community and society, men should be willing to take their place as the foundation of family structures.
“Among others, in our communities, we have to unite our pack by creating an atmosphere of harmony, reducing conflict and eradicating GBV in our homes, and ensuring a sane society. It is time men and boys engage more regularly and get involved, informed and inspired,” he remarked.