The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, despite facing budgetary constraints, continues to offer training and professional development opportunities for social workers.

IPC MP Lilian Lutuhezi questioned the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare (MGECW) on whether systems are in place to support the mental health of social workers, given their daily exposure to trauma experienced by other individuals.

Members of the National Council expressed concern over the shortage of social workers in the country, saying it contributes to growing numbers of mentally and emotionally distressed people in communities.

Some Members of Parliament have raised concerns that the needs of the boy child remain under-represented in national programmes.

The concerns were raised during the debate on the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare's N$417 million budget.

The staff at Katutura Intermediate Hospital have joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Social Work Day, observed annually in March.

The Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Emma Kantema, said her ministry will continue to train Early Childhood Development (ECD) daycarers to raise awareness of violence against children in their classrooms.

Social workers in the Kavango West Region are calling for the provision of a safe house for victims of gender-based violence.

This was their call to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on gender equality, social development, and family affairs, which visited the region.