A budget of over N$108 million has been allocated towards the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare's Child Care and Social Protection programme to address violence against children.

The ministry received a total budget of N$473 million for the 2025-26 financial year.

The N$108 million under this programme is to improve care and the protection for the well-being of children, inclusive of personnel expenditure.

The Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Dr. Emma Katema, said under this programme, the ministry plans to reduce incidences of gender-based violence, violence against children and trafficking in persons.

To activate this, the ministry intends to launch a national campaign to address violence against children.

"The ministry intends to mobilise communities in not only reporting cases of violence against children but also focusing on issues like parenting skills, life skills, and community-based awareness campaigns to stop harm before it occurs. It also includes detection mechanisms, reporting of cases and providing services that respond quickly to signs of risk."

The ministry also intends to conduct multi-sectoral trainings for social workers and other key stakeholders on responding to violence against children, including acting on online child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Provision of shelter services for GBV survivors and psychosocial programmes will be made available during this financial year as well.

"Psychosocial support for vulnerable children will continue, including the provision for subsidies to places of safety and places of care and shelter for survivors of GBV, violence against children and trafficking."

The ministry continues to provide subsidies to 20 privately owned residential child care facilities.

These facilities receive a monthly subsidy based on the number of children who are placed there through a court order.