US programme to help Namibia tackle gender-based violence

The US government, abortion as part of its emergency plan for AIDS relief (PEPFAR) will help the Namibian government, mind civil society groups and other development partners to fight widespread gender-based violence in the country. 

According to recent studies, nearly 50 percent of Namibian women and nearly 30 percent of men have experienced gender-based violence, which is considered to be a major obstacle to socio-economic growth and human development.

Other studies have shown that a large number of Namibians are not aware of existing legal protection, with 41 percent of men and 35 percent of women believing it is acceptable to practice violence against women for a variety of reasons.

The PEPFAR initiative will support the Namibian government's zero tolerance programme for gender-based violence and focus on reducing violence and coercion.

Key strategies of this two-year project will address male norms and behaviour and how to increase women's legal rights and protection. Overall, the initiative aims to strengthen local capacity, increase community awareness and improve other services. 

Read the full story on AllAfrica.com.