The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund of Namibia recently hosted the 4th Women in Road Safety Conference at Oshakati, under the theme "Empowering Communities for Safer Roads."

The conference was aimed at raising awareness about road safety issues specifically impacting women and empowering communities to take an active role in promoting safer roads for all.

The conference attracted a diverse group of women, road safety advocates, community leaders, and government officials.

 It served as a beacon of inspiration, harnessing knowledge and promoting commitment to the noble cause of road safety, which holds the power to enact profound change towards road safety in the country.
 
MVA's CEO, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, emphasised the importance of involving women in road safety initiatives.

"Empowering communities for safer roads requires collective effort. It calls for proactive engagement, education, and the promotion of responsible behaviour on our roads. It involves creating awareness and advocating for changes in road infrastructure, vehicle safety standards, and legislation."

Attendees also had the opportunity to exchange ideas, strategies, and best practices for implementing road safety initiatives within their respective communities.
 
The Oshana region recorded 287 road crashes last year, which resulted in 463 injuries and 42 fatalities.

The region's governor, Elia Irimari, says the statistics are worrisome.
 
"The aftermath of road accidents leaves permanent wounds on families, affecting them physically, emotionally, and economically. On a national level, our country continues to suffer the loss of many young, economically active individuals, a reality underscored by statistics. This loss constrains our capacity to cultivate our local economy and advance our nation."