Namibia marks Women’s Day amid steep rise in digital violence
Leandrea Mouers and Elizabeth KheibesUIS / WINDHOEK
Yesterday’s nationwide observance of Human Rights Day and Namibian Women’s Day spotlighted mounting worries over digital bullying and online abuse, amid estimates that almost one in 10 Namibian children online is at risk of exploitation or cyberbullying.
Speaking at the Erongo regional event in Uis, governor Nathalia /Goagoses cautioned that while technology creates opportunities, it also exposes women and children to significant risks.
“According to Unicef, nearly one in ten Namibian children online faces exploitation or cyberbullying. This is a concerning number,” the governor said.
She noted that government has introduced several initiatives aimed at tackling the problem.
“However, government efforts alone are not enough. We need partnerships with civil society, traditional leaders, the private sector, families, and faith-based organisations,” the governor stressed.
Hermien Appolus, from the Office of the Ombudsman, underlined the importance of reporting digital violence.
She added that data collection methods need to be strengthened to better understand human rights violations, especially concerning digital violence.
“Accurate information is essential to understanding the scope and patterns of this violence and to developing evidence-based responses,” she said.
Appolus stressed that prevention must tackle the root causes of violence, adding that only a collective effort can protect the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
She also highlighted the importance of digital literacy, which she said offers the best protection against digitally driven abuse, harassment and outright violence.
“However, for literacy to be effective, digital access must be inclusive and equitable. We must remove barriers faced by marginalised and rural communities, ensuring that women and children also have access.”
Online revenge
Regional police commander Nikolaus Kupembona noted a sharp rise in digital abuse.
“As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, offenders have found new ways to inflict harm. Digital platforms are increasingly misused to harass and threaten women and girls, circulate intimate images without consent – commonly known as revenge pornography – impersonate individuals online, spread defamatory content, engage in cyberstalking and online intimidation, and manipulate or groom young girls through social media,” he warned.
He said many victims suffer in silence.
“Digital violence destroys reputations, undermines mental health, breaks families and, in some cases, drives victims toward self-harm,” the police commander said.
Kupembona said the police are strengthening their capacity to combat online crimes.
He also urged parents to guide their children and young people to act responsibly online.
“Silence in the face of abuse makes one an accomplice. You must report incidents of online harassment, exploitation and cyberbullying immediately. The earlier we intervene, the better we protect victims.”
Towards an equal society
In a statement issued yesterday, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia Women’s Day offers an opportunity to salute the “courage and leadership of the women who built our democracy and continue to strengthen our nation.”
The president added that the commemoration of International Human Rights Day and Women’s Day overlap in their goals.
“Human rights and women’s empowerment are not separate ideas; they are intertwined. Human rights are not abstract. They shape how we govern, how we serve and how we treat each other as equals.”
The head of state underscored that the well-being of Namibian women and society cannot rest with the state alone. “The work cannot be left to government alone. Families, communities, civil society and the private sector all have a role,” she said.
“Challenges like youth unemployment, child labour, and the protection of vulnerable people demand collective action. We cannot claim progress on human rights while some among us live in fear or on the margins.”
Reflecting on women’s historic role in Namibia, Nandi-Ndaitwah said their contributions to the liberation struggle were crucial.
“Long before independence, women were organisers, mobilisers and protectors of families and communities. They carried the weight of exile, detention and displacement yet remained unwavering in their commitment to freedom.”
Namibia’s democracy is “rooted in the strength, steadfastness, and clarity of purpose shown by its women over generations”, the president added.
Safe spaces, dignity
The president also called on all Namibians to take action against gender-based violence.
“It is a violation of human dignity and a betrayal of the values our freedom fighters stood for. Our nation cannot claim to honour human rights while its mothers, sisters and daughters continue to live in fear.”
Women, she said, “deserve safety, respect and the full protection of the law in an independent Namibia.”
At an event hosted by the Khomas Regional Council in Windhoek, Regional Council chairperson Stefanus Ndengu paid tribute to women such as Kakurukaze Mungunda, who in 1959 resisted forced removals from the Old Location in Katutura.
He said the defiance of women like her is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice and human dignity.
Ndengu also drew attention to the rise of digital violence, calling it one of the most pervasive modern forms of abuse targeting women and girls.
“Online spaces should uplift, empower and connect,” he said, lamenting that for millions they have become hostile arenas of harassment.
Yesterday’s nationwide observance of Human Rights Day and Namibian Women’s Day spotlighted mounting worries over digital bullying and online abuse, amid estimates that almost one in 10 Namibian children online is at risk of exploitation or cyberbullying.
Speaking at the Erongo regional event in Uis, governor Nathalia /Goagoses cautioned that while technology creates opportunities, it also exposes women and children to significant risks.
“According to Unicef, nearly one in ten Namibian children online faces exploitation or cyberbullying. This is a concerning number,” the governor said.
She noted that government has introduced several initiatives aimed at tackling the problem.
“However, government efforts alone are not enough. We need partnerships with civil society, traditional leaders, the private sector, families, and faith-based organisations,” the governor stressed.
Hermien Appolus, from the Office of the Ombudsman, underlined the importance of reporting digital violence.
She added that data collection methods need to be strengthened to better understand human rights violations, especially concerning digital violence.
“Accurate information is essential to understanding the scope and patterns of this violence and to developing evidence-based responses,” she said.
Appolus stressed that prevention must tackle the root causes of violence, adding that only a collective effort can protect the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
She also highlighted the importance of digital literacy, which she said offers the best protection against digitally driven abuse, harassment and outright violence.
“However, for literacy to be effective, digital access must be inclusive and equitable. We must remove barriers faced by marginalised and rural communities, ensuring that women and children also have access.”
Online revenge
Regional police commander Nikolaus Kupembona noted a sharp rise in digital abuse.
“As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, offenders have found new ways to inflict harm. Digital platforms are increasingly misused to harass and threaten women and girls, circulate intimate images without consent – commonly known as revenge pornography – impersonate individuals online, spread defamatory content, engage in cyberstalking and online intimidation, and manipulate or groom young girls through social media,” he warned.
He said many victims suffer in silence.
“Digital violence destroys reputations, undermines mental health, breaks families and, in some cases, drives victims toward self-harm,” the police commander said.
Kupembona said the police are strengthening their capacity to combat online crimes.
He also urged parents to guide their children and young people to act responsibly online.
“Silence in the face of abuse makes one an accomplice. You must report incidents of online harassment, exploitation and cyberbullying immediately. The earlier we intervene, the better we protect victims.”
Towards an equal society
In a statement issued yesterday, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia Women’s Day offers an opportunity to salute the “courage and leadership of the women who built our democracy and continue to strengthen our nation.”
The president added that the commemoration of International Human Rights Day and Women’s Day overlap in their goals.
“Human rights and women’s empowerment are not separate ideas; they are intertwined. Human rights are not abstract. They shape how we govern, how we serve and how we treat each other as equals.”
The head of state underscored that the well-being of Namibian women and society cannot rest with the state alone. “The work cannot be left to government alone. Families, communities, civil society and the private sector all have a role,” she said.
“Challenges like youth unemployment, child labour, and the protection of vulnerable people demand collective action. We cannot claim progress on human rights while some among us live in fear or on the margins.”
Reflecting on women’s historic role in Namibia, Nandi-Ndaitwah said their contributions to the liberation struggle were crucial.
“Long before independence, women were organisers, mobilisers and protectors of families and communities. They carried the weight of exile, detention and displacement yet remained unwavering in their commitment to freedom.”
Namibia’s democracy is “rooted in the strength, steadfastness, and clarity of purpose shown by its women over generations”, the president added.
Safe spaces, dignity
The president also called on all Namibians to take action against gender-based violence.
“It is a violation of human dignity and a betrayal of the values our freedom fighters stood for. Our nation cannot claim to honour human rights while its mothers, sisters and daughters continue to live in fear.”
Women, she said, “deserve safety, respect and the full protection of the law in an independent Namibia.”
At an event hosted by the Khomas Regional Council in Windhoek, Regional Council chairperson Stefanus Ndengu paid tribute to women such as Kakurukaze Mungunda, who in 1959 resisted forced removals from the Old Location in Katutura.
He said the defiance of women like her is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice and human dignity.
Ndengu also drew attention to the rise of digital violence, calling it one of the most pervasive modern forms of abuse targeting women and girls.
“Online spaces should uplift, empower and connect,” he said, lamenting that for millions they have become hostile arenas of harassment.
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