NAMIBIA: Fathers Should Be Role Models

The White Ribbon Campaign Namibia Foundation has released a 15-step guide on how men and boys can make a difference in reducing gender violence.

"Men and boys in their various roles have a responsibility and important role to play in promoting gender equality and ending the violence against women and girls," said Charles Simakumba, founder of the foundation.

This year's campaign encourages fathers to teach their sons to respect women and to be good role models.

"We encourage men to wear their white ribbons and to pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls," he added.

"Most men are not violent towards women, but many of us ignore the problem, or see it as something which doesn't have anything to do with us and we keep quiet. We men need to join women and women's organisations in taking action to end the problem," said Simakumba.

The foundation wants to collect 10 000 pledges by the end of 2012 from men who pledge to take action against gender violence.