Namibians have been urged to be their brother's keepers and show compassion when addressing social issues, particularly those affecting men's mental health.
This was the call from the Ministry of Health psychiatrist, Dr. Hileni Ndjaba, who said that communities need to emotionally support men so that they feel encouraged to seek help instead of suffering in silence.
"In fact, yesterday I spoke with someone who said, 'I feel there is no reason for me to live because I cannot provide for my family due to the cultural norm that a man is the head of the household.' A man is the head of the household. A man is the provider. A man is just that—a man. Therefore, all these things become very difficult for a person to handle. And of course, we talk about their emotions. They don't express their emotions. So, how do you recognise that somebody is not well?"
Dr. Ndjaba described the initiative as an inspiring platform for rural women to understand what is happening across the country and to contribute to solutions.
She also revealed that the Ministry of Health will soon embark on mental health and suicide prevention awareness campaigns across ministries and agencies.
Dr. Ndjaba further explained that both psychological and biological factors contribute to mental health, while issues such as sexual harassment, poverty, and gender-based violence remain key triggers.
Meanwhile, the Vice-Chairperson of the National Council, Victoria Kauma, urged stakeholders to implement the resolutions adopted during the deliberations.
"I have realised that the main purpose of establishing the Rural Women with Men as Partners parliament is to advocate for the creation of a third house. Namibia can come up with a third house. The House of Parliament serves as a forum for the discussion of numerous ideas from rural areas, particularly those pertaining to women and children. Now, things are changing. When we discuss gender equality, we also include boys, as they will become the future men. We cannot have a country with only women."
Kauma said the gathering plays an important role in uplifting livelihoods and ensuring equal opportunities for both girls and boys.