WINDHOEK, Namibia – Imagine three young women. Ordinary young Namibians, casually chatting in a local taxi or strolling down a bustling street in Windhoek. Imagine these women are your coworkers in the office or family members at home, with whom you engage in daily conversations on the weather, politics and life.
Behind this image lies a harsh reality: one out of three women between the ages of 15 to 49 have endured physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional violence inflicted by their spouse.
In an effort to avoid Namibian girls and women from being condemned to this fate, the Association of Diplomatic Spouses (ADS) in Namibia, in partnership with UNFPA, hosted the international food and craft bazaar in support of gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response in Namibia.
More than 22 embassies participated in the bazaar on 13 May 2023, selling items ranging from arts, crafts, food, clothes to typical souvenirs and goods in their objective to raise funds for combatting Gender-based violence in the country.
“For societies to prosper, all individuals must have equal rights, be able to safely exercise their voice, and live free from intimidation, harassment, discrimination, and violence,” said Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Hon. Jenelly Matundu, at the event.
Gender-based violence remains a significant problem nationally and globally with many women and girls experiencing violence and abuse on a daily basis. According to recent statistics from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, 32 per cent of adolescent girls aged 15-19 and 35 per cent of young women, aged 20-24 have experienced physical violence from a partner, while 6 per cent of women reported physical violence during pregnancy, predominantly among younger women aged 15-24.
“Gender-based violence undermines the fundamental principles of equality, justice, and dignity. We have a collective responsibility to combat this scourge and create a society free from violence and fear," said United Nations Namibia Resident Coordinator H.E. Hopolang Phororo in her remarks.
“Let us commit to taking a stand to fight for our children, our sisters, aunts, mothers, and grandmothers,” she stressed.
Local businesses, including those owned by survivors of gender-based violence and a person with a disability took the opportunity to display and promote their products and services at vibrant event. In addition, over 17 private companies participated, sponsoring and contributing to the raffle prizes.
“We are thrilled to be hosting the bazaar once again this year as we carry on with this crucial charitable work that transforms lives, restores dignity, and has a long-lasting effect on the lives of those who are most in need,” said Ms. Lamia Lotfy, the current ADS President.
This year’s bazaar is particularly noteworthy as it marks the resumption of the annual event, which came to a halt in 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Proceeds from the bazaar will go towards training and boosting community-led projects as well as a non-governmental organization, LifeLine/ChildLine.
