By:Nghiinomenwa-vali Erastus

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has revealed 32% of Namibian women, between the ages of 15 and 49, reported experiencing physical violence from an intimate partner at some point in their lives.

This was said by the UNFPA country representative Gift Malunga at the commemoration of World Population Day and launch of State of World Population Report 2023 in Mariental last week.

This year’s commemoration of World Population Day focuses on the theme “Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world’s infinite possibilities”.

According to Malunga while women and girls make up 49.7% of the global population, in Namibia they make up 51% of the population, “yet their desires are not often prioritised.”

At the root of the problem is gender inequality, she said.

In their findings, 6% of women reported experiencing violence during pregnancy while 15% of women who have experienced violence have never sought help or disclosed the abuse to anyone.

The UNFP statistics show that 18.4% of children have experienced child marriage.

She said Namibia has a maternal mortality rate of 215 per 100,000, and a staggeringly high rate of teenage pregnancy, which stood at 19%.

Malunga stated the staggering statistics underscore the urgent need for collective action to address the structural inequalities that hold women back.

She said there is a need to create a more equitable society to achieve national targets and the UN sustainable development goals.

The UNFP representative said through collaborative partnerships and programmes with the government, other partners and stakeholders, they strive to ensure that every person, especially women and young people, can exercise their rights, make informed choices, and participate fully in society.

She said the commemoration of population day serves as a powerful reminder of the pivotal role population dynamics play in shaping a nation’s development agenda.

“Similarly, we celebrate the limitless potential that gender equality holds as we strive to address barriers, amplify voices, and unlock a world of infinite possibilities for generations to come,” Malunga indicated.

In his keynote address, Hardap Region Governor, Salomon April indicated the commemoration theme calls for the formulation of efforts to shape attitudes and policy decisions that endorse equitable distribution of resources among men and women, girls and boys in the country.

April said government continues to put more effort to implement the National Gender Policy through the prioritised National Plan of Action on Gender-Based Violence to end the scourge of violence against women and girls.

“I would like to emphasise that the fight against gender inequality is not only a concern of one government entity such as the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare nor for the government alone, but it requires the involvement of all stakeholders,” he stated.

April called on everyone and institutions to be the key drivers of change, and enhance the response on gender equality and women’s empowerment at the national level.

He stated the Namibian government recognises gender equality as a fundamental human right and an integral part of the economic growth and social development of Namibia.

He further said the realisation of gender equality, the human rights of women and girls, and the empowerment of women is a national priority for our country as it is indicated in the country’s constitution.

April said the country’s National Plan of Action on Gender-Based Violence focuses on putting
survivors first.

Furthermore, it also aims to stimulate a culture of care and GBV-watch amongst
families, communities, and institutions which promotes early help-seeking behaviour to
prevent and limit harm.
The public is urged to report GBV-related cases to the GBV Protection Unit in all 14 Regions or to call 10111 or 106.

These are specialised units managed by the Namibian Police Force and offer a variety of services to the survivors of GBV. Email: erastus@thevillager.com.na