The German Embassy has supported the “Namibian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD)” in Windhoek to offer workshops in developing responsive strategies to address Gender Based Violence (GBV) among the deaf community during Covid-19.

A total of 44,646 NAD (2,268 EUR) from the micro project fund of the German Embassy was made available to implement three workshops for members of the deaf community. The workshops aimed to educate the deaf youth on Gender Based Violence (GBV) and to empower them by improving their knowledge on their rights and providing them with useful information on where to seek help in regards to GBV-related incidents.

By offering these workshops to deaf youth they in turn can act as multipliers and provide help and support in their own environment whenever the need arises. Amongst the participants were also some teachers who can use this knowledge to share with their learners.

During a visit to one of the workshops Graziella Titus from the German Embassy had the opportunity to speak to some of the participants as well as the director of the NNAD Mr. Linekela Paul Nanyeni. This is their reflection on the workshop:

Paul Nanyeni: “The participants feel empowered and gained valuable skills, which in turn will be shared among those who could not attend the workshop. This will spread and raise awareness about GBV among the deaf community. Our hope is that more funds will be availed for this type of workshop to empower the deaf and make Namibia a safer place, especially for the deaf young girls and women.”

Salomon Nambandja is a 31 year old male sign language instructor with NNAD. He expressed his gratitude to participate at such a workshop, because he feels that it is the first time that the deaf youth is addressed and educated about this topic. He believes that people need more education on equality, because in most Namibian cultures and traditions equality is not taught; hence men turning to violence. “Achieving equality will ultimately eliminate GBV and therefore I participated at this workshop to learn more about the topic and to raise more awareness about it. My aim is to lead by example through good behavior and being more loving towards other people.”

Aina Mwalya, a 29 year old female IUM student in Financial Management was equally happy to be able to participate and to learn more about Basic Human Rights, and especially about the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) adopted by the UN in 2006. She feels better equipped now and wants to use her newly acquired knowledge to guide other members within the deaf community.

The Namibian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) was established in 1991 and is registered with the Ministry of Health and Social Service as a Welfare Organization. NNAD is committed to advocating equal rights and opportunities for all deaf children and adults in Namibia.