Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a major concern in Namibia, with authorities expecting that the curve might move up during the festive season due to high alcohol and substance consumption.

In November and December of this year, a total of 231 rape cases were recorded. This figure shows a notable increase compared to 148 cases during the same period in 2024.

Nationwide, police documented 4,405 GBV cases between April 2024 and February 2025. 

Home Affairs, Immigration and Safety and Security Minister Lucia Iipumbu expressed concern over the state of GBV.

"Gender-based violence is rearing its ugly head in our country, and incidents are not decreasing but just increasing, and this is really disheartening."

Iipumbu has applauded efforts by the First Gentleman, General Epaphras Ndaitwah, and the 4x4 initiative of Sidney Boois. 

She noted these projects place emphasis on the boy child, adding that they strengthen efforts by the Gender Ministry to combat GBV. 

Iipumbu said that easy and unregulated access to drugs is not only the responsibility of law enforcement officers, as Namibians are complicit in these crimes by providing shelter to drug dealers and other offenders.

"We do not want to face reality, and one incident will lead to another, and before you know it, we have this GBV rearing its ugly head again, and our homes are not homes of harmony anymore; it is forever fights. Yes, they have become places of fear, and I want to believe all of us have a duty and responsibility to minimise this."

The Ministry of Gender and Child Welfare spends an estimated 400 million dollars annually to combat gender-based violence. In response, it has drafted a National GBV Plan of Action, which is expected to be launched in 2026.