Community and gender rights activist Rosa Namises has called on the government and stakeholders to stop using the term "marginalised" when addressing human rights issues, arguing that the word carries a negative connotation. 

Namises emphasised that addressing human rights requires due regard to the choice of language, cautioning against stereotypical terms that undermine people's dignity and rights.

Namises made the remarks at a workshop hosted by churches and civil society organisations in Windhoek this week to assess the state of human rights and prepare a shadow report. 

She said affected communities should instead be recognised as indigenous peoples, noting that the term better reflects their ancestral ties to the land before colonisation.

The workshop attracted civil societies, traditional leaders and community representatives, all to discuss pressing human rights concerns.

Chief Maundu Hariki of the Himba Traditional Authority bemoaned the struggle of the Himba people in securing their rights.

Hansen Muhuka, representing the Kauku civil society, emphasised the difficulties faced by indigenous groups and emphasised the transformative nature of this workshop.

The gathering forms part of efforts to compile an alternative report on Namibia's human rights record, focusing on issues often overlooked in official submissions.