The First Lady Asking All to Pledge Peace

Working together to create the change we wish to see in our societies is what the newly launched #BreakFree 2 #BeFree Campaign is all about. Through smart partnerships, Namibians are tackling the high rates of violence in the country through dialogue.

Speaking at the launch of year-long anti-violence campaign, the First Lady of the Republic of Namibia, Madame Monica Geingos noted that thousands of community dialogues will be happening during the course of the next year, dialogues that will form the basis of breaking the cycle of violence.

According to the First Lady, Madame Geingos, “The high levels of violence in Namibia is a manifestation of how dysfunctional our society is. We should not consider this as normal behaviour and we must work together to bring about change.”

According to the World Health Organisation, in Namibia, one-third of partnered women have experienced intimate partner violence. The #BreakFree 2 #BeFree Campaign is looking at not only intimate partner violence but all forms of violence committed in Namibia.

The campaign is an initiative of the One Economy Foundation, in partnership with NHP, who feel strongly about equipping Namibians as part of the process in breaking the cycle. Amongst their many initiatives, NHP have handed over hygiene packs to Namibian shelters. Dantago Garoses, a Trustee at NHP noted at the launch of the campaign that often victims of violence have to flee their situations without time to take their necessities.

Part of the campaign, is a request by the First Lady of the Republic of Namibia, Madame Monica Geingos for every Namibian to sign a pledge that is calling on members of the public to end complacency over violence in our communities.

You can find our more about the pledge by emailing admin@1economy.org

If you need help or support, there is help and it’s free. Call 106 for safety, assistance, information, counselling and referrals. 106 is a toll free help line run by Lifeline/Childline. This help line will also assist with your rights and the laws, and anyone is welcome to call.

for more information about the 106 help line, have a look here at the 99FM MYD Heart article, Worthy of Help and Assistance.