Don’t Touch Me, I’ll Report You: Empowering Community Members to Speak Up Against GBV-F

On 23 May, we officially launched the “Don’t Touch Me, I’ll Report You” Gender-Based Violence and Violence Against Children & Adolescents (VACA) awareness campaign at Nubuamis in Katutura, in partnership with the Unbroken Voice Movement.

This art-based campaign uses the power of public art installations to spark conversations, raise awareness, and encourage action against GBV-F. The first public art installation is now visible at the corner of Claudius Kandovanzu Street & Giant Street (Nubuamis).

Gender-based violence and Femicide (GBV-F) continues to be a serious issue affecting communities worldwide, with its most devastating impacts often felt in rural areas.

This campaign leverages public art installations to spark conversation, raise awareness, and encourage collective action against GBV-F.

The launch event was attended by representatives from the Ministries of Gender, Health, and Education, Katutura Central Constituency Councillor Hon. Vezemba Rodman Katjaimo, and City of Windhoek’s Acting CEO, Jennifer Comalie. Also present were life skills teachers, counsellors, school principals, officers from NAMPOL and the City Police, as well as UNAM Social Work students.

These attendees, along with community members and the general public, play a vital role in the fight against GBV-F and VACA. Through inclusive campaigns and active participation from all stakeholders, we can raise awareness and drive real change.

In her welcoming remarks, Dr Veronica Theron, our Director of Health and Wellness at the One Economy Foundation, described the launch as a bittersweet moment. She noted that this campaign offers a powerful opportunity to focus on the prevention of GBV-F and VACA. Dr. Theron emphasised that findings from our Problematic Mindset Report reveal how deep-rooted societal and gender norms still significantly contribute to the high rates of violence.

“Each of us is the answer to the high rates of violence,” she said.

She also stressed the importance of being an active bystander—someone who, when witnessing inappropriate or threatening behaviour, chooses to challenge it or report it.

Pefimbo Shipunda, our Senior Social Worker at the One Economy Foundation, reiterated that the campaign is not exclusive to the Foundation. “It is open to anyone who wants to use and replicate it in their communities, schools, and institutions.”

The campaign aims to educate the public, especially children, on how to identify unwanted and inappropriate behaviour, and to encourage both survivors and bystanders to speak up without fear. “We want everyone to know that violence is wrong and that their safety comes first,” Pefimbo added.

During the first phase of the campaign, we will host awareness sessions in schools and communities across the Khomas Region.

Our Clinical Psychologist, Gregorius Amadhila, highlighted the psychological effects of GBV-F and VACA on survivors, including extreme distress, trauma, nightmares, anxiety, fear, and depression. On a broader level, he noted that these forms of violence can divide communities, creating tension between those who oppose violence and those who perpetrate it.

In societies where violence is normalised, young and impressionable individuals may begin to accept it as part of everyday life—and replicate it.

In his closing remarks, Pinehas Shikulo, widely known as Zuluboy, emphasised that GBV is not a private matter, but a national crisis.

“Every time we stay silent, we give room for violence to grow. This campaign breaks that silence,” he said.

Zuluboy extended his thanks to all stakeholders, attendees, partners, and community members who supported the launch.

“We invite all Namibians—from all walks of life—to join this campaign. Speak up, stand strong, support survivors, and become part of the culture shift we so desperately need.”

We invite everyone to not only visit the installation but to become an active part of this campaign.

📍 Join the movement. Visit the installation. Speak out. Be part of the change.