CELEBRATING THE 16-DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. Started in 1991, it is celebrate yearly worldwide. This year’s theme is ‘Unite to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls’.

This year, the Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO) in collaboration with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Orange Babies and UNFPA/HISA organised a series of events in Okahandja (18 November), Usakos (19 November), Omaruru (20 November), Karibib (21 November, Windhoek Otjomuise (22 November), Keetmanshoop (02 December), Rehoboth (03 December) and Windhoek Katutura (04 December). ‘We decided to prepone the first week’ explains Dr Talavera, OYO’s director, ‘in order not to interfere with the forthcoming elections.’

5 Rand in Okahandja saw the launch of the campaign on 18 November afternoon. ‘Okahandja made the news regarding Gender Based violence’ said Hon. Akser Aupindi, deputy Mayor of Okahandja during the official launch. ‘Ingrid Maasdorp was just 5 years old, Rosalind Fabian 6 and Beyonce Kharuxas 15. Gender based violence is real. It affects us all’ A sentiment echoed by H.E Dr Thorsten Hutter, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Namibia ‘Gender-based violence is not just a problem in Namibia. It’s a global issue. In Germany, for example, nearly every day a woman falls victim to femicide. It’s a worldwide crisis, and we must join forces to end it.’

OYO promised days full of edutainment: the OYO dance troupe performed, including ‘a different me’ about what young people call cat-fishing (pretending to be someone else on social media) and ‘the party’ about the non-consensual posting of sex videos online, both pieces featuring Desmond Kamerika, Mary-Jane Andreas, Sydney Farao and more. ‘Violence online is more and more common in Namibia’ mentions Talavera. ‘Even though little data is available, various young people have shared their experiences with us. We aim at also gathering some more data during the events, in order to understand the situation on the ground better’.

Other activities include discussion around ‘the caring Namibian man’ photo exhibition, facilitation of the clips ‘be a lady’ and ‘be a man’ and discusion around OYO’s feature film ‘Lukas’. Talavera adds ‘The day may be full of entertainment, but it is also an opportunity for communities to access free services. A counselor is present as well as the Walvis Bay Corridor Group mobile clinic to provide support to people in need. During the course of the day, from 1pm till late, people can be tested for HIV for free, can have their blood pressure taken for free, can talk to a counsellor for free. We want to make sure we bring services to people who need them.’

‘This initiative we are witnessing today is not just a campaign: it is a clarion call to action’ adds Aupindi . ‘It is a powerful reminder that we, as a society, have a collective duty to end gender-based violence and to build a national where every person, regardless of their gender, can live a life of dignity, safety and equality.’

‘Germany supports the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence by funding the Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO).’ Added Dr Hutter. ‘OYO has been at the forefront of fighting GBV through various activities including performances, exhibitions, film screenings, and inter-generational discussions in communities affected by GBV, such as Okahandja, Usakos, and Keetmanshoop. Gender-based violence is unacceptable. I’m proud that the Embassy is able to support OYO’s exceptional work.’

Dr Talavera, added “it is extremely important in Namibia to reinforce messages before the festive season. We know that unfortunately the December holidays are not festive for all. People drink more, party more and unfortunately, at times, abuse each other more. Starting December with a message of hope and ensuring people know what services are available to them, should they need them, is of paramount importance. Reaching people in communities is the key to success, and we are thankful for this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many.”

‘One of the most critical solutions in addressing gender-based violence is engaging men and boys as allies in this struggle.’ Concluded Aupindi. Gender equality is not a women’s issue: it is a societal issue. Men and boys must be part of the solution, beginning with changing attitudes about masculinity and challenging behaviours that normalise violence.’

Over 5,000 people attended the performances and screenings. 630 people accessed health services and now know their status. On the last day of the campaign, a closing ceremony took place in Katutura in the presence of H.E Anna Beatriz Martins, the EU Ambassador, and Ms Erika Goldson, UNFPA country representative. The campaign was a massive success.