The Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Emma Kantema, visited the children and family of the late Rachel Simasiku, a recent victim of gender-based violence (GBV) who was buried last weekend in Katima Mulilo. 

During the visit, Dr Kantema encouraged the family to register the victim's children under the ministry's Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Grant scheme to ensure continued financial support and access to essential services.

"So please do seek help. Once more, accept our condolences. When things like these happen, we want to see how we forgive and how we continue, especially when there are children involved, because these children will need support from the elders, and we want to ensure that we continue to nurture them and continue to take them to school so that they are able to continue. That's what brought us here today, to deliver that message of condolence."

The minister was accompanied by the Zambezi Regional Governor and the Executive Director in the ministry. 

The family described the visit as comforting and timely during a period of deep grief.

Rafael Mbala, a family member of the late Simasiku, spoke on behalf of the family.

"On behalf of her grandparents on both maternal and paternal sides, her aunts and uncles, her brothers and sisters, as well as her children, we thank you for coming to visit us; we don't have much to say."

As part of the ministry's immediate support intervention, Dr Kantema handed over food parcels to assist the household as they navigate this difficult time.

The minister was in Katima Mulilo for the annual Men's Conference, an event aimed at mobilising men to take an active role in ending gender-based violence. 

She is also in the region for the commemoration of Human Rights Day, which nationally coincides with Women's Day.