Leonardville – Chief Inspector Lina Binga, from the Leonardville Police Station, asserted on Wednesday that promoting feminism and activism can effectively reduce violence against women and children. Speaking at the launch of the ’16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence’ campaign, Binga stressed the importance of initiating conversations about gender-based violence and challenging toxic masculinity. She pointed out that women in relationships with men who endorse male dominance and gender inequality are more likely to face intimate partner violence.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), Binga called for increased support for organizations advocating for women and girls’ rights, emphasizing the need for shelters, hotlines, counseling, and support services, especially during crises. Governor Pijoo Nganate, representing the Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare Doreen Sioka, urged churches, politicians, and traditional authorities to actively engage in dialogues and workshops addressing gender-based violence. The ’16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence’ is an annual international campaign, running from 25 November to 10 December, focused on the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls worldwide.