Erongo police tackle toxic masculinity in fight against GBV

A week-long workshop in Walvis Bay, hosted by the Namibian police, aims to empower men to become responsible citizens by addressing toxic masculinity and helping reduce Namibia’s high rate of gender-based violence (GBV).“This workshop is a call to action, a commitment to change, and an opportunity to better understand and combat one of the most pressing issues of our time," Police Deputy Commissioner Erastus Iikuyu said during the workshop’s opening on Monday.Iikuyu emphasised that ending GBV requires the involvement of both men and boys. “Without engaging men and boys, let’s forget about ending GBV. Perhaps that’s why GBV continues to grow,” he said.“We have had enough bloodshed, we have cried enough. As a society, we are fed up with the high rates of GBV. This enemy is not from outside, it is within us. We are the ones fighting ourselves, and we are the ones to find solutions to our problems,” Iikuyu stressed.He urged participants to use the workshop as a space for reflection and growth. “This platform provides a safer space for men to speak out, because men will be speaking to other men.”Safer society The men's engagement workshop is taking place at the Tutaleni Police Station in Walvis Bay under the theme 'Redefining Masculinity'.The workshop aims to promote a well-rounded understanding of masculinity and its link to well-being, encouraging healthier, more inclusive attitudes and showing how these contribute to a safer, more supportive society.Iikuyu underlined that ending GBV requires the involvement of men and boys. “These boys will become men, boyfriends and husbands. We want them to become responsible citizens. Through platforms like this, by engaging communities and leaders, we can and must end GBV.”Worrying numbers Last year, a total of 4 916 GBV-related cases were recorded by the police nationwide.Despite awareness campaigns and law enforcement efforts, GBV cases continue to rise, disrupting households and communities at large. “Gender-based violence is not just a violation of human rights, it is a grave crime that undermines the very fabric of our society,” Iikuyu said. “Our role goes beyond enforcing the law. We must also be educators, advocates and champions of change.”Comprehensive programme He called on all Namibians to take collective responsibility.“I implore all peace-loving Namibians to stand up against violence, educate each other, and report all criminal activities. GBV has a high cost not only to individuals but also to our nation’s social and economic development.”The programme will cover a range of critical topics, including the current GBV situation in Namibia, identification of vulnerable persons, human rights and gender-related concepts, men as perpetrators and victims of GBV, conflict and anger management, healthy relationships and sexual and reproductive health, workplace harassment and bullying, domestic violence and rape legislation, and financial literacy and inheritance rights.

Erongo police tackle toxic masculinity in fight against GBV

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-26

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Erongo police tackle toxic masculinity in fight against GBV

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-26

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