The One Economy Foundation hosted its annual Game Changers Corporate and Family Fun Day in Windhoek today.
The event focused on raising awareness and sparking conversations around gender-based violence, femicide, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health.
Clinical psychologist at the One Economy Foundation, Gregorius Amadhila, highlighted the alarming rise in cases of gender-based violence and mental health challenges.
He said many people continue to suffer in silence, particularly men, stressing the importance of creating safe spaces where they can openly discuss their mental health and seek support.
“The cases were recorded, and these statistics are quite concerning. In fact, we are deeply concerned because these statistics speak to a number of issues. First, they show that many people suffer in silence, particularly men. Given the size of our population, a single life lost to suicide is one life too many. On the one hand, we are dealing with individuals, survivors, and victims who are affected mentally, emotionally, and physically.”
The event featured a range of activities designed to encourage awareness, education, and community engagement, including a variety of interactive stalls focused on health, wellness, and community engagement.
One of the stalls, the 'Barbershop Corner,' created a comfortable space for men to have open conversations about mental health and well-being, encouraging honest discussions in a familiar environment.
A Social Worker at BeFree Youth Campus, Olsen Syunda, explained.
“We wanted to create safe spaces where men can engage openly, feel free to express themselves, and be understood in an environment where they are comfortable. I want my fellow men to be open in their conversations. This is one of the key principles we are promoting here at the barbershop corner. We are encouraging each other to open up and create a safe space where we can support one another when we are going through difficult moments.”
The fitness section kept participants active with group exercise sessions and other physical activities promoting healthy lifestyles.