Project presented by Francois-Xavier Bagnoud

Putting a stop to gender-based violence in the slums of Windhoek (Namibia)

Defending women's rights and combating violence against women

In the informal settlements on the outskirts of Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, there seems to be a general acceptance of violence, particularly domestic violence.

Government measures to combat such violence are struggling to reach these areas. Two major shortcomings, among others, have been identified: insufficient information on rights, and a lack of trained personnel on the subject.

It was against this backdrop that the François-Xavier Bagnoud (FXB) association launched a holistic project, the aim of which was to raise awareness of gender-based violence in three districts, support female victims and involve men in the fight.

The project raised awareness among 1,500 residents∙es of the slums, the majority of them women. At the same time, 150 local leaders were trained∙es to intervene in cases of violence. Safe spaces were created to accommodate victims. Finally, the highlight of the project, 2,500 men and boys were mobilized and became ambassadors for a change in mentality within these neighborhoods.

FXB and HISA (Hope Initiatives Southern Africa - Namibia, the project’s partner association), have established a system of continuous evaluation and adaptation of their interventions. Their multidimensional approach is already producing tangible results, with increasing use of safe spaces and growing community involvement in the issue.

Use of the prize:

The Public Choice Award will enable the François-Xavier Bagnoud association to ensure the transition between the end of the initial project (June 2023) and the launch of a new scheme to be set up in the same areas.