Gender-based violence and femicide (GBV-F) have a ripple effect not just on individuals, but also on families and communities as a whole.

As the Namibian nation is engulfed in mourning and outrage over the recent murders of three girls in Okahandja, the One Economy Foundation, chaired by former First Lady Monica Geingos, is raising awareness of how pervasive and deeply entrenched the GBV-F crisis is in Namibia.

In a statement released to the media, the foundation described the rapes and murders of young children as horrific.

The foundation further stated that "these heinous acts leave behind a grieving community that is filled with shock, confusion, and unimaginable pain. Our deepest condolences go out to the three families and the entire community," adding concern over how GBV-F continues to escalate and that "awareness alone is not enough. We need urgent, coordinated action. Substance abuse, normalised aggression, and intergenerational trauma remain significant drivers of this violence."

The fight against GBV-F and violence against children demands a greater focus on prevention and a holistic response, the statement reads.

“One of the most heartbreaking and overlooked realities is how often families and communities protect perpetrators, whether out of fear, shame, or misguided loyalty. This silence allows violence to continue unchecked. We must break the cycle of complicity,” said Senior Social Worker Pefimbo Shipunda. “Being an active bystander who speaks up, reports abuse, and supports survivors is not just courageous; it is necessary. It’s time to hold each other accountable and choose the side of justice.”

The One Economy Foundation's #BeFree Youth Campus offers a wide range of psychosocial and mental health support services.