Details

The National Council Women Caucus held an outreach program in the regions last year in August on the following topics: Human Trafficking, Child labour, Sustainable development focusing on farming and agricultural practices, sensitize the women and youth on baby dumping, global economic crisis, sensitize the communities on the importance of voting in elections, media involvement in the positive upliftment of the youth and the importance of value systems in our society. National Council Women Caucus Outreach Initiative was aimed at complementing the efforts of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, using their oversight function and representation role to reach out to the rural communities and assists in the coordination of national efforts aimed at combating these social evils.

The program took place in various towns and villages in selected regions led by Honorable Mensah-Williams. The delegation consisted of Honorable Hilma Nicanor, Honorable Rosalia Sibiya, Honorable Ruth Nhinda, Honorable Dorothy Kabula, Honorable Siwombe and Honorable Lydia Kavetu. Mr Michael Conteh, Coordinator of the Gender Training and Research Program, Social Sciences Division (SSD), from the University of Namibia (UNAM), accompanied the group to provide technical assistance and was the main source of information on Human trafficking, Child Labour and Gender related issues. However, last year not all towns and villages were visited hence the purpose of this second phase will be to continue with the work started last year and also to a extend provide feedback. This time to cover the areas that were not visited due to financial and time constraints.

Additionally from the above-mentioned topics, the program has the following terms of references:

- To encourage women to stand for elections

- To report on our work of the past six years and women MP's

- To have discussions with all political party representatives on their Constitutional Progress on women's empowernment

- To meet youth groups to inform us on their challenges concerning unemployment, drug and alcohol abuse, lack of entertainment

- To establish if we have shelters for safe keeping

- To meet all Directors and Management of Education Directorate in areas to be visited to gain knowledge on human trafficking

- To meet all NGO's, religious institutions, police representatives, magistrates, Namibian law society, immigration officials, traditional authorities and community leaders.