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The platform created by the #BeFree Movement has empowered me to nurture my confidence and self-esteem, translating this growth into tangible achievements such as being accepted into a prestigious BPsych programme and graduating with another degree from NUST. Their encouragement has been invaluable, and I genuinely appreciate the time and effort they have invested in my development.
Alex Gomachab, #BeFree Ambassador
The #BeFree Movement
The #BeFree Movement is a transformative platform that aims to create safe and non-judgmental spaces for open and frank dialogues across generations. It addresses critical issues such as reproductive health, violence, mental health, economic vulnerabilities, and other pressing challenges that prevent young people from realising their full potential.
The Movement actively engages with diverse communities in Namibia and beyond, amplifying youth voices and connecting them to essential services. Its goal is to empower young people to adopt healthy lifestyles, build resilience, and reach their full potential. #BeFree works to eliminate barriers to youth development by tackling societal challenges through fostering open conversations.
What We Provide
Intergenerational Dialogues and Community Engagements – #LetTheYouthSpeak
The #BeFree Movement is well-known for its dialogue platforms that promote open, non-judgmental, and candid conversations. These spaces bring together young people, community leaders, and experts to address critical issues that prevent young people from reaching their full potential. Through innovative events such as intergenerational dialogues, constructive masculinity discussions, and community cook-offs, #BeFree ensures that every voice is heard and empowered.
Some of the dialogues and community engagements you can expect are:
#BeFree Intergenerational Dialogues
The #BeFree Intergenerational Dialogues are a transformative initiative designed to foster open and meaningful conversations between young people and older generations on pressing social issues. These gatherings bring together participants from diverse age groups to engage in discussions on topics such as sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender-based violence (GBV), mental health, effective parenting, career guidance, substance abuse, and more.
Through interactive engagements – including, at times, gender-segregated sessions – participants gain deeper insight into shared challenges and work collaboratively towards practical, context-driven solutions. These dialogues aim to bridge generational divides, equip young people with vital knowledge, and contribute to the development of healthier, more inclusive communities across Namibia.
#BeFree Reproductive Health Information Sharing Dialogues
#BeFree is dedicated to ensuring that young people have access to accurate, adolescent- and youth-friendly reproductive health information through open, engaging dialogues. Recognising the vital role of reproductive health and sex education in empowering youth to make informed choices, #BeFree facilitates a range of youth-focused conversations that provide safe spaces for learning, sharing, and advocacy.
Through its Reproductive Health Information Sharing Dialogues, #BeFree equips young people with comprehensive, evidence-based knowledge on key topics such as family planning, contraception, HIV prevention, menstrual health, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and consent. These sessions bring together youth, parents, community leaders, and professionals – including healthcare workers, social workers, life skills teachers, and peer educators – to engage in open, non-judgemental dialogue.
The interactive nature of these discussions encourages active participation, giving young people the opportunity to ask questions, share lived experiences, and debunk myths and misconceptions surrounding reproductive health.
#BeFree Constructive Masculinity Dialogues
The Constructive Masculinity Dialogues are a national initiative aimed at redefining masculinity by fostering healthier, more inclusive expressions of manhood. The workshops bring together male community leaders, public figures, and advocates to challenge harmful patriarchal norms and promote gender equity.
Through panel discussions, keynote speeches, and innovative engagement showcases, participants explore ways to influence public discourse, strengthen collaborations, and support ongoing efforts towards positive masculinity. The workshops serve as a catalyst for cultural change, encouraging men to embrace constructive roles in society and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive future.
Effective Parenting Seminars
The Effective Parenting Seminar for young parents is a targeted initiative designed to equip adolescents and young parents with the essential skills, knowledge, and resources needed to navigate the complexities of parenthood. The seminars cover a range of important topics, including child development, positive parenting techniques, reproductive health, financial literacy, mental well-being, and more.
Through interactive discussions, expert-led sessions, and connection to vital support networks, the initiative aims to break intergenerational cycles of poverty, strengthen parent–child relationships, and empower young parents to build a stable and healthy future for themselves and their families.
#BeFree Cook-Off (Male Engagement)
The #BeFree Cook-Off is an engaging initiative designed to spark meaningful conversations around Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV-F), Mental Health, and Reproductive Health and Rights with a focus on men. The event brings together Namibian men from diverse backgrounds in a unique mentor-mentee cooking competition.
Through the preparation of specific meals, participants not only showcase their culinary skills but also challenge harmful gender norms, encourage open dialogue on male mental health and reproductive health, and promote healthier, more inclusive communities. The event features interactive discussions, influential guest speakers, and exciting prizes—all in the spirit of unity, awareness, and empowerment.
By the numbers
Throughout our interventions across the world, we are humbled by the insights, resilience and humanity that cut through the noise of difference and affirm the power of young people in creating and championing their agenda.
14
Regions in Namibia
86
Frank, non-judgmental and thematic conversations
6
Countries
193K
Young People Reached
Key engagement strategies
#BeFree Life Skills Curriculum
The #BeFree Curriculum is a comprehensive and practical resource aimed at providing young people with extensive content on reproductive health and rights, mental health, personal development, goal setting and economic empowerment.
It is tailored to meet the needs of young people and is delivered through interactive sessions that foster critical thinking and resilience. The curriculum is implemented through training workshops, which ensures a broad and impactful reach.
#BeFree Spaces
The #BeFree Movement has created vibrant spaces that connect young people to essential resources, peers, and opportunities:
#BeFree Boys and Girls Clubs
These are dynamic, youth-centered spaces set up in schools and communities throughout Namibia. These clubs aim to empower young people by fostering personal development, promoting dialogue, and providing opportunities for leadership and growth. As part of the broader #BeFree Movement, these clubs address the unique needs of young people in a rapidly changing world.
University BreakFree2BeFree Societies
These student-led spaces provide a supportive environment where young people can access essential resources and services. From personal development and career planning to reproductive and mental health, these societies aim to empower students to thrive in all aspects of life during their tertiary education journey.
#BeFree Ambassador Programme
The #BeFree Ambassador Programme empowers young leaders to advocate for youth development throughout Namibia. With over 100 ambassadors trained from all 14 regions, the programme establishes a national presence for advocacy and impact. These ambassadors act as change agents, driving initiatives in schools, communities, and beyond.
Our Impact
In the words of our #BeFree Ambassador – Bertha Tobias
Let's talk #BeFree with our ambassador - Bertha Tobias
Testimonies
Participant at the Constructive Masculinity Dialogue
“The ‘Wat pla jou?’ session created a space for men to openly share their struggles. It’s a reminder that safe spaces are transformative.”
