Better dads, better Namibia

A photographic exhibition in Okuryangava aims to kick-start conversations about the often harmful stereotypes that shape fatherhood roles in Namibia and to shine a spotlight on the benefits equal parenting has not only for men, women and children, but society as a whole. The exhibition, titled 'Namibian Dads', included photographs of men sharing household chores and cherishing close relationships with their children.One photo caption highlights those Namibian fathers who have broken free from the deeply mired traditional roles they are confined to and often face ridicule at the hands of others.Morris Kachihindwa and his wife Anna are depicted sharing a mundane household chore of washing and hanging clothes. Morris (34) is often laughed at by other men and women “because he enjoys doing household chores with his wife” and helping with chores and parenting has earned him the nickname “bewitched man”.Yet Morris says he remains steadfast and “stands with pride alongside his best friend”. Another featured dad is activist Sam Afrikaner, a father of five children, three of whom are adopted.Afrikaner has long campaigned and highlighted the benefits that arise when both parents take equal roles in bringing up their children. He says the exhibition can help demonstrate that being an involved parent does “not make you less of a man”, and could have far-reaching benefits for the country as a whole. Married for nine years, he says he cooks, cleans, does the laundry, helps with the home-work and generally takes an active role as a parent.“I believe sharing the responsibilities with my wife to make sure my children are taken care of. I believe in empowering and supporting women, and being involved and taking responsibility and ownership with what I do.”Afrikaner grew up in a violent and abusive home where his father believed in women taking a submissive role. The fact that he chose not to follow in his father's footsteps, he says, has placed him in the position of a role model who can help others change their ways. “I want to show others that I grew up in that life, but you can always change.”Charlemagne Husselmann of Namibia's Lifeline/Childline warned that in Namibia the conversation of “dads and the role they play” is still too muted.She said awareness needs to increase on the significant impact fathers can have on the well-being of a family and society if they take an active role in raising their children. She added that while maintenance is a major problem for many mums, it is also crucial to realise that maintenance is not just “money. It can also be child care - being present in the life of a child”.Husselmann added that mother's denying access to children is another major challenge, and that Namibian men lack awareness of their parental rights. Cecilia Julin, the Swedish ambassador to Namibia, said the exhibition is aimed at inspiring both men and women. She said becoming better fathers is not only up to men, but society as a whole should help dads “claim their rights and responsibilities. We have to shape the conditions that enable fathers to be closer to their children.”The photographic exhibition was linked to a Swedish photo project that was launched by Swedish dad and photographer Johan Bävman. It closed on Sunday. JANA-MARI SMITH

Better dads, better Namibia

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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Better dads, better Namibia

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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