Mothers’ Union protests against violence at Outapi

OUTAPI, 21 OCT – Some 500 members of the Mothers’ Union of the Anglican Church Namibia Diocese on Friday held a peaceful march against gender-based violence at Outapi.
Led by diocesan secretary Vistorina Nakuatumba, they handed over a petition to the office of Omusati Governor Erginus Endjala.
Nakuatumba said they were also protesting violence against orphans and vulnerable children. She urged women to serve as role models in the fight against violence.
“The Mothers’ Union requests the churches and Government to work together in addressing gender-based violence in society,” she said.
She said the union will support all programmes that promote the wellness of women and will also be involved in self-support groups.
Nakuatumba further stated that her organisation wants to ensure that women are aware of their rights to life, equality, liberty and security, equal protection under the law and freedom from all forms of discrimination.
The union members marched from St Barnabas Anglican Church at Outapi’s Onhimbu settlement, where they gathered for their annual meeting, through the town’s main street to the regional council offices.
They denounced alcohol and drug abuse, passion killings, illegal abortion, baby dumping, suicide, prostitution, human trafficking and rape, describing it as some of many social problems affecting the physical, spiritual and social well-being of Namibians.
“We, as women in the Anglican Church in Namibia, as well as women in the church in southern Africa, would like to submit our cry to the Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare and say that we condemn violence against women and children,” stated Nakuatumba whilst presenting their petition.
Omusati regional councillor for the Outapi Constituency, Philemon Shikwambi received the petition on behalf of Endjala, who is out of the country.
“Your government hears your cry, your cry is also its cry,” said Shikwambi, before promising to hand it over to Endjala.
(NAMPA)