The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the European Union (EU) have entered into a partnership to promote gender equality and combat gender-based violence.

This event signifies a commitment to a strategic partnership aimed at addressing GBV comprehensively.

The partnership, unveiled amid the global campaign of the "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence," marks a beacon of hope for countless individuals affected by GBV.

Namibia, like many other nations, is grappling with alarming rates of GBV.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative in Namibia, Gift Malunga, has reaffirmed the Fund's commitment to support the government's quest to improve the lives of the people.

Malunga made the remarks during the commemoration of World Population Day at Mariental.

The day is commemorated under the theme "Unleashing the power of gender equality, uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world's infinite possibilities".

With the dignity of schoolgirls considered a key factor in school drop-outs, the United Nations Population Fund has donated sanitary kits to learners at Odeitotela Combined School in the Omusati Region.

The kits are part of a N$7.4 million grant by the Japanese government and are meant for eight regions.

The UNFPA officer in charge, Loide Amkongo, said the project "Leave No One Behind" targets the most vulnerable girls.

Seven youth social enterprises are to be recognised for their outstanding contributions to sexual and reproductive health matters.

The recipients were selected from among 170 applications received by the Office of the First Lady and the United Nations Population Fund.

The competition was the brainchild of Deputy Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, Emma Theofelus, following her being awarded the UN Population Laureate this year for her work in the population space.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services says the rise in pregnancy and early marriage as well as HIV infections among adolescent girls is a cause for concern.

The rate of teenage pregnancies nationally stands at 14.95%, translating to more than 15 thousand pregnancies per year. 

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, revealed the dilemma of teenage pregnancies at the handover of reproductive health kits and contraceptives worth N$200 million.