MORE than 200 women and their relatives held a march recently in Outjo over the escalating violent crimes against women.

“Women are not able to enjoy their basic right by walking down the street at night without fear of violence. The right to safety and security are basic democratic rights for everyone in Namibia,” the group, under the leadership of Women Support Women, said in a petition handed over to Mayor Kleophas Geingob.

As at other towns in Namibia, there is a high incidence of gender violence at Outjo. The women said these are more prevalent the informal settlements, and sometimes are not reported because the police station is in town, far from the settlements.

Crime victims also have to walk long distances to get treatment at the local hospital, Brigitte Horases of the Women Support Women group said.

The march, themed ‘Claim the Night Back’, was part of the 16 days of activism campaign to end gender-based violence.