Namibian men urged to unite against SGBV
Addressing masculinity myths
Oshana Governor Elia Irimari says there is a need to break down the stigma surrounding men's mental health and create a safe space for men to discuss their struggles without fear of judgement or ridicule.
Oshana Governor Elia Irimari has urged Namibian men to stand together and teach others how to embody positive masculinity with the goal of reducing cases of sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) in Namibia.
Irimari was speaking at the recently held third men's conference at Ondangwa, held under the theme ‘Zero male suicide: promoting positive masculinity’.
He emphasised the importance of men coming together to celebrate their strengths, resilience and commitment to improving society.
Irimari highlighted that misconceptions about masculinity in Namibia have resulted in severe consequences, including suicide, spousal killings and violence, often fatal, between men.
According to statistics from the health ministry, Namibia recorded 623 suicide cases between August 2022 and June 2023, with 511 of them involving men.
Meaningful change
Irimari said it is time for men to understand that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, and there is no shame in admitting that they are struggling.
“The conference will act as a catalyst for meaningful actions, fostering a culture of love, respect and inclusion,” he said.
He added that there is a need to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and create a safe space for men to discuss their struggles without fear of judgement or ridicule.
“This number could be attributed to the fact that men suppress their feelings and do not speak out. This conference creates a safe space for men to learn that they can look for help and not suffer in silence,” he said.
Lead your communities
Irimari also urged Namibian men to steer clear of toxic norms and behaviours that pose risks for themselves and others in terms of contracting or transmitting HIV/Aids, to help Namibia achieve the goal of zero new infections and zero Aids-related deaths.
His call to action follows the nation's commemoration of World Aids Day.
This year's World Aids Day was held under the theme 'Let Communities Lead'.
Irimari was speaking at the recently held third men's conference at Ondangwa, held under the theme ‘Zero male suicide: promoting positive masculinity’.
He emphasised the importance of men coming together to celebrate their strengths, resilience and commitment to improving society.
Irimari highlighted that misconceptions about masculinity in Namibia have resulted in severe consequences, including suicide, spousal killings and violence, often fatal, between men.
According to statistics from the health ministry, Namibia recorded 623 suicide cases between August 2022 and June 2023, with 511 of them involving men.
Meaningful change
Irimari said it is time for men to understand that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, and there is no shame in admitting that they are struggling.
“The conference will act as a catalyst for meaningful actions, fostering a culture of love, respect and inclusion,” he said.
He added that there is a need to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and create a safe space for men to discuss their struggles without fear of judgement or ridicule.
“This number could be attributed to the fact that men suppress their feelings and do not speak out. This conference creates a safe space for men to learn that they can look for help and not suffer in silence,” he said.
Lead your communities
Irimari also urged Namibian men to steer clear of toxic norms and behaviours that pose risks for themselves and others in terms of contracting or transmitting HIV/Aids, to help Namibia achieve the goal of zero new infections and zero Aids-related deaths.
His call to action follows the nation's commemoration of World Aids Day.
This year's World Aids Day was held under the theme 'Let Communities Lead'.
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