OPUWO - Gender-based violence (GBV) against women and children is believed to be perpetuated through various negative cultural practices.
GBV has been a scourge in society for a long time, and the number of reported cases appears to be rising.
This is according to Ngaitjitue Hengari, a social worker at the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, who was offering her inputs on Tuesday during a capacity-building training session for radio engagement on GBV, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and mental health and psychosocial support.
The training was facilitated by the ministry, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), the Japanese government, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Ministry of Health and Social Services under the theme ‘Leaving No One Behind’.
Hengari said cultural and customary practices have a big impact on how men and women interact, pointing out that certain societies encourage patriarchy.
She said several steps have been taken to raise awareness, ranging from the gender equality ministry’s creation of a complete GBV toolbox on training, financing and psychological assistance for GBV survivors.
“The ministry provides education on GBV through community meetings and school talks. We provide psychological support to survivors of GBV. We empower women economically to be self-sufficient through the Income-Generating Activity Fund to provide for themselves rather than depending on men, which might increase their vulnerability to violence,” she emphasised.
Last year, Opuwo registered 103 GBV cases, 42 of which involved rape, while in 2023, 62 GBV cases were reported, with 19 involving rape.
The chairperson of Kunene Community Radio, Katjina Tjikunda Kulunga, emphasised that not all traditional practices are harmful to women and children, and that GBV concerns cannot be focused solely on cultural practices.
He said Himba and Zemba cultures do not tolerate violence, and advised that any harmful traditions should be abandoned.
The training began this month with Focus FM in the Khomas region, and concluded on Tuesday in Opuwo.
Training facilitator Esther Nantana said the goal of the workshop was to educate stakeholders and media practitioners how to successfully engage on GBV challenges and reproductive health, and raise awareness about them in communities. - Nampa