The Kavango East Regional Council's Division for Gender Equality and Child Welfare, together with key stakeholders, held week-long consultations with traditional authorities and communities to address gender-based violence and other social challenges in rural areas.
The consultations follow rising concerns over gender-based violence, human trafficking, suicide, early child marriages, and alcohol and substance abuse. Participating stakeholders included several government ministries responsible for justice, health, security, rural development and information.
MGCW Deputy Director for Kavango East, Izabel Nongava, said, “Most of the concerns are similar. The main contributing factors to GBV are alcohol and drug abuse, mainly among the youth and children, as well as poverty. Human trafficking is also increasing. Communities are aware of these cases but often fail to report them due to stigma and fear of what others might say.”
The GBV Victim Protection Unit Head for Kavango East is Detective Senior Inspector Jescar Sibongo.
“We have 189 women victims, 25 reported rape cases, four attempted murders, and 160 offences ranging from arson and grievous bodily harm to assault, threats and malicious damage to property. We are also happy that men are opening up and reporting cases. We have 50 reported cases.”
The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology also engaged participants on community awareness.
Senior Administrative Officer at the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, Laura Oa-Eis, stressed, "The way forward is not only to have engagements but also to bring solutions. We must also bring senior officials and lawmakers to the ground so traditional authorities and communities can engage with them and raise their voices.”
Kayengona Headman of the Shambyu Traditional Authority, Bonifatius Kandjimi added, “My message is for community members to work together with the Ministry of Gender, traditional authority leadership and other stakeholders. If we commit to this, our country will be safe and peaceful.”
Community member from Uvhungu-Vhungu Village, Ehrengadius Kaumo, emphasised, "We gained fruitful insight into what is happening in our communities and what is expected of us. Stakeholders explained issues affecting our livelihoods and how we should share these messages with others, especially on working with traditional authorities and government to combat these crimes.”
The Nydion Village youth representative is Bontiyanus Likoro
“To my fellow men, I urge us to refrain from gender-based violence against women and children. If you face personal or social challenges, seek help from your nearest social worker or church leaders rather than harming yourself or others.”
Community members were urged to report suspicious activities and cases of abuse to the nearest police station or the Division for Gender Equality and Child Welfare office.