Erongo Governor Neville Andre says gender-based violence continues to plague the region, leaving a devastating impact on families, communities, and the broader society.
Andre launched and appointed the Erongo Regional Gender Permanent Task Force in line with the government's national gender policy, the national gender plan of action, and the national action plan on GBV.
Andre says Erongo alone, the numbers of gender violence are glaring, especially those that involve women and girls.
During the past year, Andre says, cases of gender-based violence, ranging from domestic violence to sexual assault, were among the top ten crimes committed in the region.
He noted that many incidents go unreported, with victims often suffering in silence due to fear, stigma, or a lack of access to support services.
"The Namibian Government, through its various ministries and agencies, has been proactive in addressing gender-based violence. We have established critical legal frameworks such as the Combating of Domestic Violence Act, the Combating of Rape Act, and most recently, the National Gender Policy, which outlines clear strategies to prevent and address gender-based violence."
The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare has spearheaded efforts to provide support services, including shelters, counselling, and legal aid for survivors of GBV.
"The Task Force will focus on preventive measures, including education and awareness campaigns to change attitudes towards gender and violence. We must invest in community-based programmes that teach respect, non-violence, and equality from an early age. Men and boys must be engaged as critical allies in this fight, understanding that gender equality benefits everyone."
The Deputy Director for the Division of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare for Erongo Region, Benedikta Kamunoko, explained what is expected of the stakeholders.
"At the regional level, we are expected as stakeholders to come up with a regional plan as to what we are going to do. What will be the role of the Ministry of Gender if the victims come to the Ministry of Health? How can we deal with this victim up to the end so that this person will be able to get justice?"
She said the launch of the Gender Permanent Task Force is a critical step in deepening their response to gender-based violence in the region.