Govt taps media to help fight GBV, sets aside N$600 000 for media training

The Namibian government has changed tack in its fight against gender-based violence (GBV), placing the media at the centre of a new prevention strategy backed by N$600 000 in funding.

The plan, outlined at a meeting in Windhoek last week under the implementation framework of the national gender equality and equity policy, will see journalists trained nationwide to strengthen gender-sensitive and ethical reporting.

Officials say the shift reflects growing recognition that media coverage is not merely a reflection of events but a powerful driver of public attitudes, behaviour and policy outcomes.

Once implementation plans are completed, the training is expected to roll out nationwide, with government saying the aim is to ensure reporting that informs the public, supports justice processes and protects the dignity and safety of GBV survivors.

The information and communication technology ministry underlined that inaccurate or insensitive coverage has become a serious problem, warning that poorly handled stories can shape public perception in ways that undermine national efforts to combat violence and inequality.

N$300 000 has been allocated for the 2026/27 financial year for the training initiative, and a further N$300 000 set aside for the following year.

Rising GBV rates

With 4 045 confirmed between April 2024 and February 2025 – and numbers continuing to rise – authorities believe improving how stories are told is critical to prevention, survivor protection and justice.

Penoshinge Shililifa, the deputy director of gender advocacy and legislation in the gender equality and child welfare ministry, said media coverage plays a decisive role in shaping how communities understand GBV. She cautioned, however, that reporting without sufficient sensitivity can cause real harm.

“Issues such as GBV and violence against children require sensitivity,” Shililifa said, stressing that structured collaboration and training are needed to strengthen reporting practices across the media sector.

She raised concern about coverage that includes uncensored images of victims or people linked to active investigations, noting that such reporting can compromise cases, retraumatise survivors and distort public understanding.

A policy implementation plan presented at the meeting shows the training programme will focus on gender analysis, ethical reporting standards and responsible coverage of gender-related issues, positioning journalists as key partners in national prevention efforts rather than passive observers.

The information ministry said while many journalists already report responsibly, ongoing capacity building is essential to promote accuracy, empathy and ethical decision-making in reporting on sensitive crimes.

“Poorly handled stories can spread misinformation and weaken national efforts to address violence and inequality,” the ministry said, adding that strengthening media professionalism is now viewed as a strategic intervention in itself.

Protecting vulnerable groups

Under the revised approach, the ministry will lead the media, research, information and communication cluster in partnership with the gender ministry, engaging both state-owned and private media houses, including regional journalists.

Officials emphasised that the initiative is not intended to curtail press freedom, but to strengthen ethical standards and protect vulnerable groups. Responsible journalism and press freedom must coexist, with the media recognised as a central pillar in national development and social protection efforts, the government team said.

Funding arrangements between the two ministries are still being finalised, but officials confirmed the programme forms part of broader efforts to align Namibia’s communication practices with national and international commitments on gender equality.