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Namibia: Leaders address GBV amid cultural concerns – Africa Links 24

Namibia: Leaders address GBV amid cultural concerns – Africa Links 24

Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Feni Hiveluah
Published on 2024-04-11 16:42:48

Artist and spiritualist Hishishi Shikongeni expressed his concerns to Desert Radio about the impact of modern culture on discipline, emphasizing the importance of traditional beliefs and values. He noted that the recent wave of violence, particularly the tragic deaths of four women in alleged crimes of passion, highlights the need for a return to these foundational principles.

Shikongeni highlighted that in traditional societies, women and men were honored and respected according to their roles and contributions. He criticized the current trend of women trying to adopt masculine traits and behavior, stating that it goes against the cultural norms that promote harmony and mutual respect between genders.

Ludwig Beukes, the general secretary of the Council of Churches in Namibia, joined the conversation by expressing his dismay at the current state of affairs in the country. He emphasized that the message of the church is one of love and understanding, calling for a return to these core values in addressing societal issues, including gender-based violence.

Armas Shikongo, a respected member of the Windhoek Islamic Center, emphasized the importance of love and mercy in relationships, particularly between men and women. He stressed that a successful union is based on mutual respect and compassion, warning that the absence of these elements can lead to hatred and aggression, as seen in cases of gender-based violence.

Shikongo also raised the issue of gender-based violence being oversimplified and reduced to a single dimension, pointing out the need for a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to addressing the underlying causes. He drew attention to the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize fairness and kindness towards women, urging society to uphold these values in all interactions.

Overall, the message from these spiritual leaders is clear: the key to addressing societal challenges, including gender-based violence, lies in a return to traditional values of respect, love, and understanding. By embracing these principles and adopting a holistic perspective on issues, communities can work towards creating a more harmonious and peaceful society for all individuals.

In conclusion, the call to action is clear: to combat violence and promote unity, it is essential to prioritize traditional beliefs and values that emphasize respect, compassion, and mutual understanding between genders. Only through a collective effort to uphold these principles can societies overcome the challenges they face and build a brighter future based on love and respect for all.

Read the original article on The Namibian

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