By Lylie Happiness
Oshakati, 22 Nov. – Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Nationhood and National Pride Programme and other partners are hosting a three-day national Men’s Conference at Ongwediva.
The conference, under the theme “Galvanizing Positive Masculinity to end the scourge of violence in Namibia”, aims to encourage men to take a stand against GBV and promote gender equality, among other things.
The mayor of Ongwediva Tarrah Shalyefu said this is the right time to host this event which is directed towards ending the scourge of gender based violence among men, women and children.
“On a daily basis we read and hear sad news of violence perpetuated against either a man, a woman or a child. Some of the reports would make one to think deeply but without convincing conclusions,” he said.
“The assumptions is that violence in some instances is caused by excessive use of intoxicating substances, some might have direct connection to economic factors while others might have originated from cultural myths,” he added.
The mayor added that the conference would provide a platform to interrogate the causes of gender-based violence among Namibians and perhaps propose possible solutions to end this social evil.
“As we interrogate the matter at hand, I would like us to approach it with open mind and without prejudice. This will help participants to get to the core of the matter and bring forth unbiased recommendations,” he said.
Shalyefu further also said Namibians need to be mindful of the fact that they are living in a technologically advanced world where young girls and boys are exposed to external influences, hence the need for parenting as a tool to develop a responsible nation should not be left unattended.
