EDITORIAL: The monsters among us
It is continuing shame that women have to have it ingrained in them not to expose themselves to potentially dangerous situations where predators lurk.
The death of a mother from Sun City informal settlement in Rundu, allegedly at the hands of the man who swore to love and protect her in front of family and friends when they wedded in 2018, continues the darkest of blights on our nation.
She was murdered after attempting to sever ties with her husband, who family members say was hardly involved in the lives of his wife and children as a provider.
The patriarchal mindsets and disgusting notions that women may never make decisions of this nature – and that only men are allowed to walk away from relationships – fuel many of these cowardly acts.
The impunity largely enjoyed by perpetrators, and the fear generated by their actions, has an effect on all women and girls. It also takes a toll on a global level, stunting the contributions women and girls can make to international development, peace and progress.
Often victims are dealt with as if they are also contributors to this scourge.
If we raise these monsters, who grow up to hurt and maim others, we are equally guilty. And until entrenched patriarchy and misogyny are addressed, women and girls will keep being afraid and looking over their shoulders.
The death of a mother from Sun City informal settlement in Rundu, allegedly at the hands of the man who swore to love and protect her in front of family and friends when they wedded in 2018, continues the darkest of blights on our nation.
She was murdered after attempting to sever ties with her husband, who family members say was hardly involved in the lives of his wife and children as a provider.
The patriarchal mindsets and disgusting notions that women may never make decisions of this nature – and that only men are allowed to walk away from relationships – fuel many of these cowardly acts.
The impunity largely enjoyed by perpetrators, and the fear generated by their actions, has an effect on all women and girls. It also takes a toll on a global level, stunting the contributions women and girls can make to international development, peace and progress.
Often victims are dealt with as if they are also contributors to this scourge.
If we raise these monsters, who grow up to hurt and maim others, we are equally guilty. And until entrenched patriarchy and misogyny are addressed, women and girls will keep being afraid and looking over their shoulders.
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Namibian Sun
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