Young and old community leaders trained to eliminate gender-based violence
Written by on May 20, 2024
Thirty-five community young and olde leaders and advocates from the Tobias Hainyeko constituency trained in Windhoek by the United States (US) embassy under USAID Reach Namibia’s SASA! Together initiative were sent into the communities last Friday to help eliminate gender-based violence (GBV).
US embassy spokesperson Tiffany Miller said SASA! Together derives from the Kiswahili word meaning “now” and embodies urgency in its mission to eliminate violence against women and girls.
“It goes beyond mere programmatic endeavours, evolving into a movement driven by people to mitigate norms and practices that contribute to violence.
“At its core, the programme empowers and champions community-led activism and individuals to root out violence through collective action and advocacy,” Miller said.
The trained leaders and advocates are tasked to engage family, friends, and neighbours in scheduled discussions that spark self-reflection and critical thinking, all in an effort to strengthen positive societal norms and stop harmful behaviours, she said.
USAID country representative McDonald Homer, said: “The launch of SASA! Together represents a significant step forward in our collective efforts, for both men and women in eliminating GBV and promoting dignity for all.
Khomas regional governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua reiterated the collective commitment to a safe violence-free Namibia.
“I implore us all to bring an end to GBV,” she said.
SASA! Together serves as a key intervention under Reach Namibia, a US government programme funded by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief through the United States Agency for International Development.
The five-year programme helps to prevent new HIV infections and improve HIV and tuberculosis treatment for adolescents, children and youth. Reach Namibia is implemented by Project Hope Namibia and a consortium of partners in eight regions across the country, Miller said.
Miller further said SASA! Together will be initially rolled out to constituencies in Khomas and thereafter expanded to other regions over the coming months.
Tobias Hainyeko constituency councillor Christopher Likuwa said the initiative would make a positive difference in educating the community on GBV, identifying the root causes and finding ways to help those who experience GBV within the communities.
Two of the trainees shared what they had learnt and how it will impact their communities.
Fenny Kaniita (18) said the training came at the right time considering increasing cases of GBV, mostly against women and children.
“What I have learnt is not to go and tell people what to do but to enable them to think critically, so they can reflect and decide on the right choices on the issue.”
Sydney Uirab (43) says the training was informative and he will go back to the community to empower the people with the skills he acquired and refer cases beyond his capacity to the relevant authorities, such as the police and social workers.
The post Young and old community leaders trained to eliminate gender-based violence appeared first on The Namibian.
