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Namibia: First Lady Worried About Alcohol Abuse
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New Era (Windhoek)
23 April 2008
Posted to the web 23 April 2008
Petronella Sibeene
Windhoek
Devastated by the never ending gender-based violence across Namibia, First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba has come out strongly against violence, urging law makers to "ban" the use of alcohol and related substances in the country.
"In Namibia, the root cause of gender-based violence is more attributed to exposure of children to alcohol and drugs at an early age. A restriction or partial ban on the use of alcohol and harmful substances should be considered as a necessary step to curb the abuse," she says.
NamPol statistics reveal that annually there are 10 000 cases of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Men perpetrate more than 6 000 of these cases.
Reported cases of murder with firearms total 329 of which men commit 248.
The First Lady, who was speaking during the yearly open forum of Friendly Haven Shelter for Abused Women and Children, expressed concern over the high numbers of abused women and children in Namibia.
"Children witness their parents violating and abusing each other and as a result, some children have taken that as a way of life," she said.
The First Lady called for educating and advising the young generation about the devastating effects of alcohol and drugs.
She said violence against women does not only hinder them from fulfilling their destinies, it restricts economic growth, undermines development and creates profound health implications in women and children.
Providing shelter for women escaping from abusive relationships remains another challenge where one in five women is abused.
According to Ma-dam Pohamba, security and protection of these women and children should be re-looked into.
She emphasised, "A person escaping from abusive relationships needs to go to a safe refuge. In this regard, safety, security and protection of the victim becomes of paramount importance to shelter providers."
The one-day meeting was aimed at promoting active dialogue and engagement on gender-based violence among stakeholders.
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Representatives from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Ministry of Health and Social Services, City Police, UN agencies, Haven Friendly and Peace Centre, among others, attended the meeting.
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