The Oshana Regional Police Commander, Commissioner Naftal Sackaria has lauded the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare for hosting the National Men's conference at Ongwediva. 

Sackaria says the conference has shed light on the importance of men speaking out and seeking emotional support when they are faced with problems.

He made a presentation on gender-based violence cases, and motivated men to speak out and seek police assistance when the need arises.

He discouraged them from taking the law into their own hands. 

The police commander says, cases of gender-based violence can be drastically reduced if men become open to dialogue and learn not to attach material value to their relationships, whether in the dating or marital phase.

Commissioner Sackaria says, in 2021 alone, a total of 3 499 cases of gender-based violence were recorded with 477 of them being rape cases and 31 murder cases perpetrated against women.

Cases of gender-based violence against men stood at a total of 1 054 with 44 being rape cases, whilst 20 are murder. 

Cases against minor children stood at 767 with a staggering 577 being charges of rape and eight murders.