Schools told to create safe, inclusive spaces for children

Deputy minister of education, arts and culture Faustina Caley says schools should be safe spaces for children to learn without fear of violence or discrimination.

She was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Model United Nations (MUN) High School Conference 2024 yesterday.

“Our educators play a crucial role in identifying and addressing these issues and we are dedicated to providing them with the training and resources they need to protect our children in our schools,” Caley said.

She highlighted that gender-based violence remains one of the most pressing issues undermining Namibia’s progress. She pledged the ministry’s commitment to combating the scourge through education and awareness.

She emphasised the importance of engaging boys’ experiences on the path to gender equality and noted that true gender equality cannot be achieved without their active participation.

“It is vital that our educational programmes include discussions on masculinity, respect and the importance of shared responsibility in household and community roles,” Caley said.

Caley further said stakeholders must recognise that education does not end in the classroom and emphasised the need to create an environment that supports and values the contributions of women.

“This includes addressing harmful cultural norms that perpetuate gender inequality and ensuring that our education system promotes the values of respect, equality and dignity for all,” she added.

Speaking at the same event, United Nations International Children’s Fund representative Samuel Ocran said when women and girls are empowered, everyone in society benefits.

According to Ocran, at the recent United Nations General Assembly session held in September, only nine of 133 speakers were women, underscoring the urgent need for women’s leadership.

“As world leaders make critical decisions on major global challenges, it is essential that women’s voices are included in these discussions. Their perspectives are crucial for addressing issues such as climate change, health crises and social justice,” Ocran said.

The World Bank estimates that closing the gender gap in Africa can add US$2.5 trillion to the continent’s gross domestic product by 2025, he said.

This indicates the urgency of investing in women, not just for social justice, but for a more prosperous future for all Africans, he added.

“Empowering women is both a moral imperative and an economic necessity… As you deliberate over the coming days, consider how your contributions can help advance this vital agenda, reflect on how empowering women and promoting gender equality can lead to transformational change, not just for individuals, but for society as a whole,” said Ocran.

Lumba Muituti, a Grade 8 pupil at Eldorado Secondary School, was encouraged to attend the conference by her teacher, who saw her potential.

Her journey was not without challenges, after nearly missing the preparatory training session, because she got lost and discovering that her fellow delegate and partner had to withdraw from the conference.

“There were many stumbling blocks from the start, but I remained determined to participate in the MUN,” Muituti said.

She said she looks forward to making friends, learning new skills and gaining knowledge.

Referring to the theme of this year’s conference: ‘Advancing Gender Equality And Women’s Empowerment: Building Sustainable Societies Globally’, Muituti said she never realised how important gender equality and women’s empowerment were until she attended the MUN.

Scouts of Namibia member and Delta Secondary School pupil Symon Itenge said when he first joined the conference, he didn’t know what to expect.

“I went into it blindly, just hoping there would be enough guidance to help me figure it all out,” Itenge said.

According to Itenge, a standout moment for him was simply meeting new people during the training day.

He said the interaction with his peers left a lasting impression, which he will carry forward as he prepares for the conference.