The Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare says there is a need for more GBV shelters in the country.

Namibia only has ten safe houses, two of which are privately owned.

These shelters provide a safe space for survivors of GBV, trafficking in persons, and victims of many other traumatic experiences.

The Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Emma Kantema, had the opportunity to visit the GBV shelter at Rundu in Kavango East. To protect the identity of those living in GBV shelters, the location of the safe house is not disclosed. Dr. Kantema talks about some of the survivors at the Rundu GBV shelter.

"We have children who range from issues as a result of baby dumping to two from baby dumping, children who have mothers who are not fit, and, interesting to note, we have quite high incidents of mothers who are psychotic, so this tells us that there are issues of mental health occurring in the region, and we also have children who were just picked from the street."

Kantema says there is a need for safe houses countrywide.

"When you look at where they are based, it's mostly the regions that are bordering the boundaries because that is where you have a lot of incidents occurring, but for now, we see that there is a need to ensure that we expand the footprint in regions."

There is, however, a shortage of staff at most GBV centers, especially social workers, center managers, and child carers. Kantema says it's a challenge the ministry needs to address.

She is, however, calling on both men and women who need the help of GBV shelters to reach out.

"Members of society who might find themselves in a vulnerable situation, as a ministry, we have this provision; please do contact our social workers because we exist to support our people when they are in need. We really encourage, especially men – we do have men who go through the same, who perpetrate the same offenses, the same violence – so it's for men to really stand up and use this opportunity to seek shelter and assistance."

The minister says it takes a collective effort for Namibia to fight gender-based violence.