Since 2021, 220 men have committed suicide in the Omusati region, official statistics show.
During the same period, 57 women also committed suicide.
In 2021, 46 men committed suicide, while in 2022, the number increased to 61. In 2023, the number went up to 75 men.
So far this year, 38 men have reportedly committed suicide in the region.
This was revealed by the Omusati regional Namibian
Police commander, Commissioner Ismael Basson, during the men’s conference held at Outapi on Saturday. Here, men across the region gathered to share ideas, educate each other and find amicable solutions to stop gender-based violence.
They discussed issues such as rapes, suicides and murders.
Basson indicated that men
often do not speak up when they are being abused, but then they later become suspects.
“Men are strong because they don’t cry when they are being abused by their wives,” he stated.
He then expressed concern about police officers who laugh at men when they go to report cases of gender-based violence against their wives.
“Police are also contributing to men not reporting these cases because they laugh at them. This discourages men from opening a case,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force, Joseph Shikongo, warned police officers to stop laughing at men for reporting cases of abuse.
“Police have been assigned to assist members of the public. They should stick to their duty, but not laugh at people,” he added.
Shikongo said some men are going through a lot. Therefore, when they seek help from
the police, they should be attended to.
He furthermore urged community members to unite and fight against gender-based violence.
“Men should seek assistance from social workers, church leaders, relatives and friends. Killing and suicide are not solutions,” he emphasised.
Additionally, the police should treat people with respect and care, especially those who come to report a case.
“A case should not be handled in public; people should use charge offices because some matters are confidential,” the police chief continued.
Approached for comment, gender equality minister Doreen Sioka said men’s conferences are very important and helpful.
She advised men to continue participating in these conferences because it educates them and changes their lives.
Men should not assault their wives whenever they are being abused by their partners, but should immediately alert the police, she added
“Men should stop suffering in silence,” she reiterated.
Youth activist Natangwe Shiindi, who participated in a recent men’s conference, said it would be helpful if the conference was held twice a month in every village.
“The youth need to participate in men’s conferences to be educated,” he proposed.