With the festive season approaching, the Women in Road Safety Forum is urging women to promote road safety awareness and share practical safety tips in their communities.

The call was made by the forum's chairperson, Tuhafeni Shilongo, during a road safety activity day in Otjiwarongo, where women and motorists were encouraged to promote responsible behaviour ahead of holiday travel.

The day-long activity focused on road safety practices, crash statistics in the Otjozondjupa Region and the role women can play in making roads safer.

"We all have a road to play in making our road safer, including women. Women in the road safety forum bring together women from different backgrounds to promote road safety and make a positive difference in our communities. Women are drivers, passengers, pedestrians, parents, and carers. We can also be leaders, educators, and advocates, who encourage safe behaviour and contribute to decisions that affect road safety."

Shilongo expressed concern over the limited participation of women in the forum's initiatives.

"While we continue to advocate for safer roads, one of the challenges that we face as a forum is getting more women to come forward and participate in our initiatives. We have a vision, but we need more women to stand with us. Road safety is not only the responsibility of law enforcement officers or road safety organisations; it affects our families and our communities. Every woman can contribute by teaching children to cross the road, encouraging, being responsible, driving and speaking out against dangerous behaviours."

Meanwhile, Namibia Road Safety Forum Chief Executive Officer Horst Heimstaedt stressed the need for roads to be designed to accommodate all road users.

The Otjozondjupa Region has recorded 204 road crashes and 53 fatalities so far this year.