MP wants long-distance marriages stopped

Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) lawmaker Hidipo Hamata has implored the government to explore innovative policies that will put an end to long-distance marriages to "safeguard the well-being of spouses and children, and the sanctity of marriage".Hamata will table this motion in parliament on 13 September, and added that although he is not married, he hopes this motion will help not only married couples, but single Namibians as well."I wish to emphasise that one does not require marital status to engage in discussions regarding marriage matters within this chamber. “I stand here as a representative of both young and elderly citizens, both married and single. Therefore, I request the opportunity to elucidate the rationale behind this motion, which stands to benefit not only those currently wed but also individuals like myself and countless others aspiring to embrace the institution of marriage," Hamata said in his motion motivation. The parliamentarian said the effects long-distance marriages have on children are "profound and devastating", and should be stopped. "This issue strikes at the core of our society, impacting the economic stability of families, eroding the sacred bonds of marriage and causing immeasurable harm to the innocent children caught in its grasp," he added. “Moreover, the emotional toll on spouses cannot be underestimated. The constant juggling between different regions or towns, coupled with the emotional challenges of separation, leads to heightened stress and anxiety.”Prioritise family unityHamata did not share - in practical terms - how this reality should be dealt with, except for saying “I implore this honourable house to take decisive action to protect our families”.“I call upon our government to consider alternatives to the practice of redeployment that prioritise family unity and economic stability,” he said.He did not indicate whether government should only intervene when this affects its employees, or whether he is seeking similar solutions in the private sector.The motion highlights the economic impact that long-distance marriages have when spouses are forced to maintain separate households, amongst other things. "The financial strain this imposes is immense, forcing families to make heart-wrenching choices, often sacrificing their economic stability and well-being for the sake of preserving the marital bond," the motivation explained. Far and wide Hamata yesterday told Namibian Sun that the relationships most affected are those who survive hundreds of kilometres. "I am more concerned about a person in the Zambezi Region whose house is in Lüderitz. Someone in Keetmanshoop whose house is in Oshifo in the Omusati Region. “A person staying thousands of kilometers from their house and who only sees their family after 11 or 12 months is suffering, and that&#039;s not parenting nor what our constitution is talking about," he said. He added that long-distance marriages give way to incidents of infidelity among married couples.What worksLife and relationship coach Cynthy Magwaza told Namibian Sun during a telephonic interview that long-distance marriages cause irreversible long-term issues in the development of the children involved. "Children need stability and routine to be able to grow and develop properly. Constant travelling of either parent could also cause detachment issues in the further life of the child and they grow up having issues in relationships with attachment. “Be this as it may, each relationship should consider what works for them and what doesn&#039;t and do what they think is best for their family,” she said.

MP wants long-distance marriages stopped

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Ndapewa Abraham 1 Year Ago04 October 2023

Ndapewa Abraham 1 Year Ago04 October 2023

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MP wants long-distance marriages stopped

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Ndapewa Abraham 1 Year Ago04 October 2023

Ndapewa Abraham 1 Year Ago04 October 2023

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