A voice for women's rights
Step Up Ark calls for offenders to receive an appropriate sentence without the option of parole and participate in rehabilitation programs while incarcerated.
The Step Up Ark community organisation in Rehoboth held a protest in the town against the ongoing prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) in the town.Apart from raising awareness about the prevalence of GBV as well as contributing factors such as substance abuse, unemployment and poverty which have a devastating impact on individuals and families of victims, the organisation also insists on action by authorities while being a voice for the rights and safety of women.
The protest stemmed from the arrest and court appearance of Romario Beukes on charges of domestic violence, while he is also awaiting sentencing for his first crime of murder and robbery. Beukes appeared in court last week for a second crime after he killed an elderly woman in the town earlier this year.
One of the board members of Step Up Ark, McZene McNab, says their demands call for immediate action from the community's respective government authorities and policymakers. This includes that the accused must receive an appropriate sentence without the option of parole and must participate in rehabilitation programs during the prison sentence. The latter must help the accused to be able to make the right decisions. At the same time, issues such as addiction and other underlying emotional and psychological issues that may have influenced his actions must also be addressed.
"The accused must be part of a restorative justice program that can potentially reduce his repeat offences by making him accountable for the crimes he has committed. It can allow him to understand the damage and the impact his actions have had on the victim and their families," says McNab.
Deterrent
Another demand is that repeat offenders in custody until their cases are finalised are part of rehabilitation programs that may serve as a deterrent against their criminal actions and also give a new perspective to stay away from crime in the future.
"We request the legal system in Namibia to put measures in place to institute the above programs for the benefit of those awaiting trial who are willing to change their lifestyle for good."
Step Up Ark also calls for the Namibian police and military to be more active in the community and address the issue of the sale of illegal substances which is part of the lawlessness in the community. The police should also protect informants who are used to catch those who sell illegal substances to the detriment of the well-being of young people in the town, the community and the country.
According to McNab, the protest served as a catalyst for continued activism to combat GBV in the town and promote gender equality.
"As an organisation, together with activists in the community and community leaders, will continue to put pressure on authorities to fulfil their obligations and implement measures that effectively tackle GBV."
The organisation will also focus on creating a haven to improve support services for victims and that includes access to healthcare, counselling and legal aid.
"The protest action in Rehoboth will serve as a symbol of solidarity, resilience and persistence in the fight against GBV in the community. We believe this is a step in the right direction to bring significant change. Although much work must be done, we stand together to create a community where all individuals can live without fear, discrimination and violence."
For more information about Step Up Ark, email [email protected] or call 264 81 661 0051. – [email protected]