Some community members of the Etoshapoort informal settlement in Outjo, under the banner of the Pots of Hope organisation, marked the Human Rights Day by honouring victims and survivors of gender-based violence.
The day coincided with the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against GBV and called on communities to break the silence and to declare that enough is enough.
Statistics provided by Outjo Police indicate from January to date, 45 cases of GBV were reported, of which 12 are rape.
On behalf of Pots of Hope Chairperson, #Aodama Alsaria !Ganes said such crimes are of national concern.
"We are here because we believe in a Namibia where everyone can live with dignity. A Namibia where children grow up safe. A Namibia where survivors are supported, not judged. A Namibia where perpetrators are held accountable. During the 16 days of activism, we remember the lives lost. We honour the survivors who are still healing. And we support those who are still afraid to speak."
Pots of Hope member Dalene Kooper shared testimonies of victims of domestic crimes, who opened up to the organisation as it advocated against GBV.
"The second one is titled 'Shoot Him'. This is a story shared by a child who observed his mother go through domestic violence. I have seen my father point a gun at my mother three times, and this one time he shot at her, and by the grace of God she did not move, and the bullet passed right next to her ear. So she only obtained a scratch from the bullet. The last one is titled 'There Was So Much Blood'. He came into the house and took a spear and stabbed my mother in the foot. The spear went through the flesh between the bones. There was too much blood, and she was taken to Okahandja hospital, and she is still in the abusive relationship."
Outjo Mayor Bartholomeus !Aibeb called on survivors of GBV never to lose hope despite the trauma they suffered.
"We all have hopes. People whom this organisation wants to reach out to have hopes in their future. What is hope? Hope is a desire and feeling of expectation for a better future."
The event was held under the theme 'Take back the night'. A candlelight ceremony will also be held as part of the two-day event.