Community Raises Urgent Social Concerns During 16 Days of Activism Launch
The Namibia Rural Women’s Assembly (NRWA), together with local stakeholders, hosted a powerful launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in the Omatjete – Otjohorongo communal area, Daures Constituency, Erongo Region. The gathering brought together women, youth, teachers, social workers, police officials, elders and civil society representatives for a full day of dialogue that exposed the realities of rural life and mapped the way forward in combating gender-based violence. The event celebrated rural women as guardians of land, life, seeds and love, while also confronting the deep social, economic and safety challenges affecting the area.
Participants stressed that life skills teachers and social workers must work closely together to address learners’ behaviour, substance use and psychological wellbeing. While a newly appointed social worker explained she is still integrating into the region, the community insisted that stronger partnership is crucial. In Okongue, behavioural issues among learners have escalated to the point that police had to intervene-highlighting the urgent need for ongoing psychosocial support in schools.
Community members raised multiple concerns about the delays and administrative barriers in accessing social grants. A disability grant application submitted in July never reached the social worker’s office, leaving the applicant without assistance for months.
Residents also reported that grant registration teams rarely reach Omatjete, resulting in:
- Increased school dropouts
- Children living on the streets
- Substance abuse
- Worsening poverty
Many caregivers are unable to access grants because officers demand declarations from absent fathers a requirement impossible for many families.
Many children are raised solely by mothers and grandmothers. Without grants or consistent support, these children face immense pressure. Poverty, hunger and school dropout rates continue to rise, placing them at risk of abuse, exploitation and long-term harm.
Residents again highlighted that Omatjete is too large and too far from Uis and Omaruru to receive effective social services. They called on authorities to station a full-time social worker in the area and increase the presence of child welfare officers to respond to emerging cases.
The Men’s Forum was praised for its positive impact. However, participants called for the inclusion of more boys and young men to strengthen the promotion of positive masculinity, discipline and respect.
Elderly beneficiaries raised concerns about harassment, disturbances and theft during grant payout days. The community requested that NAMPOL have a police officer on site to ensure safety and restore order.
One of the strongest resolutions from the meeting was the demand for a dedicated GBV Support Office at the Omatjete Police Station to provide privacy, counselling and confidential reporting for survivors.
The community also supported the establishment of a local GBV Committee that will:
- Monitor cases
- Work closely with police
- Support survivors
- Raise awareness
- Mobilise men, youth and women for community protection
Participants stressed the importance of having stationed journalists and community media in rural areas. Without visible reporting, it appears as if no GBV cases occur-when in fact, many cases go silent, undocumented and unreported.
Local media presence would:
- Highlight community realities
- Give survivors a voice
- Increase accountability
- Encourage authorities to respond
- Break the silence around GBV in remote areas
The meeting also called for the creation of a Young Women’s Safe Corner a private space where girls and young women can gather, share, heal, learn, and support one another.
In addition, community members suggested using poetry, drama, games and creative performances to raise awareness about GBV. These tools will help educate the public, especially youth, on the different forms of violence, healthy relationships, and where to seek help.
The overall sentiment from the community was clear:
There are far too many cases requiring the immediate attention of social workers and child welfare teams.
Neglect, behavioural issues, poverty, substance abuse and school dropout rates are rising yet support services remain limited.
Hosting the 16 Days of Activism event showed that rural women are not only advocating for themselves they are advocating for their children, communities and the future of the region.
Their call for stronger services, better protection, youth empowerment and community-driven solutions sends a clear message:
