EU and UNFPA unite to combat GBV in Namibia

The European Union (EU) delegation in Namibia on Wednesday signed a contribution agreement with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The EU contributed N.dollars 28 million towards a national campaign aimed at fostering gender equality and combating gender-based violence (GBV) in Namibia.

EU Ambassador to Namibia, Beatriz Martins, signed the agreement with UNFPA assistant representative Loide Amkongo.

Martins noted that the agreement themed ‘Gender Equality/Combating Gender-Based Violence’ is a collaborative effort between the EU and UNFPA.

“The importance of our collective commitment to eradicating gender-based violence cannot be overstated. The contribution agreement with UNFPA has been carefully designed, with clear objectives and a comprehensive approach to address the pervasive challenges faced by women and girls in Namibia,” she said, adding that the overarching goal of the programme is to contribute to the reduction of gender-based violence in targeted regions of Namibia by 2027.

UNFPA, as a UN sexual and reproductive health agency, collaborates with the government and partners to, among others, end preventable maternal deaths and end gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful practices.

Amkongo said that the agreement with the EU represents a beacon of hope, initiating a partnership aimed at addressing one of the most pressing issues affecting the lives of individuals, particularly women and girls in Namibia.

“It signifies an important visibility milestone of a crucial partnership between the EU and UNFPA, especially during this period when we observe the 16 days of activism against GBV,” she noted.

The agreement that was signed during an event held at Hope Initiative Southern Africa in the capital, coincided with the launch of the Combating GBV campaign.

UNFPA contributed N.dollars 2.9 million to the campaign that seeks to combat GBV at both the national and subnational levels over the next 36 months.

“The strategic implementation of this programme will significantly impact communities, specifically in the Zambezi, Ohangwena, Khomas, Kunene and Omaheke regions. These regions have been targeted to address critical gaps identified in the National Gender Policy and the National GBV Plan of Action. By engaging both Government and civil society organisations as implementing partners, this programme aims to create a comprehensive and inclusive approach to tackling gender-based violence,” Amkongo said.

(NAMPA)
AT/HP/PS
(NAMPA)