Walvis Bay inmates, community join forces to tackle GBV
Offenders advocate against violence
The Walvis Bay Correctional Facility’s community advisory committee held its first-ever gender-based violence awareness walk on Saturday, with inmates and community members taking to the streets to highlight this critical issue.
The walk, followed by a series of talks including testimonies from inmates sharing their experiences and lessons learnt, aimed to foster dialogue and mobilise collective action against what organisers described as a pervasive social ill.
The event took place a day after the murder of 34-year-old Dominika Gaoses, whose body was found with multiple stab wounds in Usakos. A 39-year-old man has been arrested and was expected to appear in the Usakos Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Dr Paul Fisher, chairperson of the Walvis Bay Correctional Facility advisory committee, said the walk marked only the beginning of broader awareness efforts.
“This will not be a one-off event. I urge all of us to challenge harmful norms, support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable,” he said.
"Let’s move toward a future where everyone feels safe, valued, and free. We must continue to mobilise, educate and refuse to tolerate harmful behaviour. Let’s unite, listen to those who have been silent for too long, and truly break the silence to protect our future.”
Rehabilitation of mind
Inmate Justin Fredericks, serving a 19-year sentence for raping a minor, candidly shared how his actions caused deep pain to the victim, her family, his own family, and society.
“Being in prison was initially very difficult, but programmes on gender-based violence helped me understand my wrongdoing and begin to forgive myself," he told participants.
He stressed that "violence is never a solution, and GBV continues to harm children and families. We cannot stay silent – we must speak out, take responsibility and seek help."
Fredericks said his story should serve as a warning, but he added that change is possible.
"Even though I am physically imprisoned, I feel free inside. I encourage everyone to take responsibility, protect women, break the silence and work toward a future free from gender-based violence. Together, we can heal and build a safer nation.”
Change is imperative
Erongo Governor Nathalia /Goagoses highlighted the recent murder in Usakos and stressed the need for societal reform.
“This raises difficult questions about how we address these societal challenges. We must engage communities linked to such crimes and work to transform them into the positive societies we aspire to have in Namibia," the governor said.
"One day, God will ask each of us, especially those in positions of authority: Were these words sincere, or just lip service? We must show empathy and foster understanding and fairness across all communities so that every individual, regardless of race or background, is treated with dignity and equality.”
The walk also featured performances by the Walvis Bay prison’s live band, who sang ‘Let’s Stand Up and Tackle GBV’, and a drama by inmates, illustrating that change is possible when society and the community offer the necessary support.
The walk, followed by a series of talks including testimonies from inmates sharing their experiences and lessons learnt, aimed to foster dialogue and mobilise collective action against what organisers described as a pervasive social ill.
The event took place a day after the murder of 34-year-old Dominika Gaoses, whose body was found with multiple stab wounds in Usakos. A 39-year-old man has been arrested and was expected to appear in the Usakos Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Dr Paul Fisher, chairperson of the Walvis Bay Correctional Facility advisory committee, said the walk marked only the beginning of broader awareness efforts.
“This will not be a one-off event. I urge all of us to challenge harmful norms, support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable,” he said.
"Let’s move toward a future where everyone feels safe, valued, and free. We must continue to mobilise, educate and refuse to tolerate harmful behaviour. Let’s unite, listen to those who have been silent for too long, and truly break the silence to protect our future.”
Rehabilitation of mind
Inmate Justin Fredericks, serving a 19-year sentence for raping a minor, candidly shared how his actions caused deep pain to the victim, her family, his own family, and society.
“Being in prison was initially very difficult, but programmes on gender-based violence helped me understand my wrongdoing and begin to forgive myself," he told participants.
He stressed that "violence is never a solution, and GBV continues to harm children and families. We cannot stay silent – we must speak out, take responsibility and seek help."
Fredericks said his story should serve as a warning, but he added that change is possible.
"Even though I am physically imprisoned, I feel free inside. I encourage everyone to take responsibility, protect women, break the silence and work toward a future free from gender-based violence. Together, we can heal and build a safer nation.”
Change is imperative
Erongo Governor Nathalia /Goagoses highlighted the recent murder in Usakos and stressed the need for societal reform.
“This raises difficult questions about how we address these societal challenges. We must engage communities linked to such crimes and work to transform them into the positive societies we aspire to have in Namibia," the governor said.
"One day, God will ask each of us, especially those in positions of authority: Were these words sincere, or just lip service? We must show empathy and foster understanding and fairness across all communities so that every individual, regardless of race or background, is treated with dignity and equality.”
The walk also featured performances by the Walvis Bay prison’s live band, who sang ‘Let’s Stand Up and Tackle GBV’, and a drama by inmates, illustrating that change is possible when society and the community offer the necessary support.
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