GBV in Namibia

Write a 5 paragraph and well-structured and compendious report for perusal on the topic of gender-
based violence in Namibia. Include examples and references, do not plagiarise

Introduction: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive and widespread problem in Namibia,

affecting both women and men. It refers to any form of violence that is perpetrated against
individuals on the basis of their gender, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. GBV is
a serious human rights violation and has significant negative consequences for individuals,
families, communities, and the country as a whole. In this report, we will examine the
prevalence, causes, and consequences of GBV in Namibia, as well as the government and civil
society responses to this problem.

Prevalence: GBV is a significant problem in Namibia, with high rates of both intimate partner
violence (IPV) and sexual violence. According to the Namibia Demographic and Health Survey
(NDHS) of 2013, 32% of women aged 15-49 had experienced physical violence at the hands of
their partner, and 21% had experienced sexual violence. Men are also victims of GBV, with the
NDHS finding that 8% of men had experienced physical violence from their partner, and 3% had
experienced sexual violence. However, due to the stigma and shame associated with male
victims of GBV, these figures may underestimate the true prevalence of violence against men.

Causes: GBV in Namibia is rooted in social norms that condone violence and inequality, as well
as poverty, unemployment, and substance abuse. Traditional gender roles that prescribe men as
providers and women as caretakers can also contribute to the perpetration of violence against
women. The legacy of colonialism and apartheid has also had a profound impact on gender
relations in Namibia, as the imposition of western norms of masculinity and femininity has led to
the marginalization of women and the glorification of violent masculinity.

Consequences: GBV has severe consequences for both individuals and society as a whole.
Victims of GBV may suffer physical injuries, mental health problems, and even death. The long-
term effects of GBV can include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance
abuse, and reduced economic opportunities. Children who witness or experience GBV may also
suffer from developmental problems, including poor academic performance and behavioral
issues. On a broader scale, GBV undermines the social fabric of communities, contributes to
poverty and inequality, and hinders economic development.

Responses: The Namibian government has taken steps to address GBV, including the adoption of
the Combating of Domestic Violence Act in 2003, the Gender Equality and Women's
Empowerment Policy of 2010, and the National Gender-Based Violence Action Plan of 2018-
2022. Civil society organizations also play a critical role in addressing GBV, providing support
to victims and advocating for policy and legal reforms. However, more needs to be done to
address the root causes of GBV and to ensure that victims receive adequate support and
protection.
Conclusion: GBV is a pervasive problem in Namibia, with significant negative consequences for
individuals, families, communities, and the country as a whole. Addressing GBV requires a
comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying social and economic factors that
contribute to violence, as well as providing support to victims and holding perpetrators
accountable. The Namibian government and civil society organizations have an important role to
play in this process, but more resources and political will are needed to make meaningful
progress in ending GBV in Namibia.

References:

1. Namibia Demographic and Health Survey (2013).

https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/FR298/FR298.pdf
2. Combating of Domestic Violence Act (2003).
https://www.lac.org.na/projects/domestic_violence/DomesticViolenceAct.pdf
3. Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Policy (2010). https