As Namibia celebrates Human Rights Day, the Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, Doreen Sioka, called on each citizen to take action and speak out against injustice within their communities and foster dialogue.

Sioka was speaking at the celebration of International Human Rights Day and Namibia Women's Day at Outapi.

Sioka stated that Namibia made efforts to address gender-based violence through various platforms, including the hosting of a men's conference held at Rundu, which brought together 800 men to discuss GBV and promote healthier societal norms.

She noted that the government, along with its stakeholders, continues to implement laws, policies, and programs aimed at ending all forms of discrimination against women and children and promoting human rights.

“The conference served as a critical tool for raising awareness, challenging harmful stereotypes, and addressing cultural traditions that may perpetuate violence.”

Sioka also called on Namibians to strengthen the implementation of laws and policies aimed at promoting equitable access to resources and reducing gender inequality.

“Namibia has made notable progress in our efforts to address gender inequality, which has resulted in our country closing the gender gap, with an 80.5 percent ranking, placing Namibia at number 8 globally and number 1 in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2024.”

Harmful practices such as child marriages, human trafficking, and poverty are just some of the social impediments that need to be addressed.

At the occasion, Sioka launched a social protection program booklet detailing social safety nets aimed at addressing social challenges.

Speaking at the same event was Omusati Governor Erginus Endjala.