Windhoek, Namibia
Office Newsletter May 2018
ISSUE 31
Message from Head of Office
UNESCO Head of Office and Representative to Namibia, Dr. Jean Pierre Ilboudo
Welcome to the thirty-first issue of the UNESCO Windhoek Office newsletter. This issue provides an update of the events and activities implemented by our office during the month of May 2018. Some of the highlights for this issue
include: UNESCO celebrated a number of international days, such as the World Press Freedom Day 2018, under the theme “Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and the Rule of Law”, as well as the first ever commemoration of International Day of Living Together in Peace and the Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day under the theme, “Empowering girls through good and safe menstrual health and hygiene - #NoMoreLimits” The culture sector celebrated the intangible cultural heritages of Namibia through the Omagongo Cultural Festival in OnalushwaTsandi (Omusati Region) and the Nama Cultural Festival in Keetmanshoop. In this issue you will also read about the Launch of the Global Education Monitoring Report 2017/18 that was launched in Windhoek at the Safari Court, as well as the China Funds-in-Trust Study Tour that took place with 10 countries from all across Africa.
IN THIS ISSUE Celebration of the Marula Fruit Festival
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National Stakeholders Workshop On Disability Page 3 Held In Namibia Namibia Celebrates International Day of Living Together In Peace Page 5 World Press Freedom Day 2018 in Namibia
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OMAGONGO CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2018 CELEBRATED WITH POMP CULTURE
The host King of Uukwaludhi Traditional Authority, Josia Shikongo Taapopi during at the Omagongo festival with his wife Nandjala Taapopi. The Omagongo Cultural Festival took place on the 24 and 25 of May in OnalushwaTsandi (Omusati region), in presence of the community members of the region and from other regions of Namibia. The attendance of his Excellency Dr Sam
Our Invitee of the Month is Dr. Charles Sagoe-Moses who is the new Representative of the World Health Organization to Namibia. We hope to continue informing you on our activities and that you will enjoy reading our newsletters. Happy reading!
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Safiishuna Nujoma, the Founding President of the Republic of Namibia and Patron of the Omagongo Cultural Festival; his Excellency Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba, Former President of the Republic of Namibia; Dr. Nangolo Mbumba, Vice President of the Republic; Right Honourable Dr. Saara Kuugongelwa, Prime Minister; Honourable Margaret Mensah Williams, Chairperson of the National Council as well as several members of the parliament and of the cabinet, governors, council-
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OMAGONGO CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2018 CELEBRATED WITH POMP CULTURE
the world not only the unique tools, apparel, food and art activities in the north. The Festival also features an important intangible cultural heritage of Namibia, expressing to the world where we find our roots and homes. The Festival is an outstanding example on how intangible cultural heritage can unite communities, preserve traditions, and enrich people’s life. It shows us that culture is not only about dancing and singing - culture is lifestyle, it is entrenched in the daily life of local people. In his remarks during the ceremony, UNESCO Head of Windhoek Office and Representative to Namibia, Dr Jean-Pierre Ilboudo stressed that “Our culture should lead to the fostering of a better
Demonstration of preparation of Marula drink lors and traditional and religious leaders has added lustre to the event. From 30 November to 4 December 2015, the 10th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee was held in Windhoek, Namibia. During the Session, the Oshituthi Shomagongo, Marula Fruit Festival (as it is commonly known) was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, being the first Namibian intangible cultural heritage element to be inscribed on this prestigious list. The Festival is described as “a relaxed social gathering during which communities and guests
understanding amongst our people. Through the celebration of cultural festivals, all Namibians can enhance their capacity to understand and acknowledge the critical aspects of our cultural diversity and appreciate how our various cultures make us more united and stronger as a nation. Intangible cultural heritage is of great importance to sustainable development diversity in the face of growing globalization. An understanding of the intangible cultural heritage of different communities helps with intercultural dialogue, and encourages mutual respect for other ways of life, not only as an important factor in maintaining cultural diversity, but also because of the social and economic value it brings to developing society through cultural tourism.”
socialize, sing and dance, and men recite histories.” It is crucial to keep up the original intention of the festival, by relaxing, talking with others, enjoying the fresh Omagongo (a beverage made out of marula fruits) and celebrating lives. The eight Aawambo communities of northern Namibia host the Oshituthi Shomagongo, Marula Fruit Festival on a rotational basis. For the Aawambo communities, the Festival has been an important event transmitted from generation to generation. During the festival, community members share knowledge and skills, information and experience are exchanged among villages and tales and stories are told to the younger generation. Tradition and modernity meet here, reminding us of our history and identity. The Oshituthi Shomagongo Festival illustrates a vivid picture of life during harvest season in the northern Namibia. It presents to
UNESCO Head of Windhoek Office and Representative to Namibia, Dr Jean-Pierre Ilboudo speaking at the Festival Dr. Ilboudo added that “Safeguarding measures must be community-based, as intangible cultural heritage can only be heritage when it is recognized as such by the communities, groups or individuals that create maintain and transmit it.” Therefore, he has called on the communities to sustain their effort in safeguarding Oshituthi Shomagongo,
Marula Fruit Festival as a UNESCO
recognized intangible cultural heritage. He wished to see the festival become more and more recognized by the entire nation and UNESCO will be standing by the communities for any form of assistance. It is important for Namibians to learn to practise unity in diversity. Unity and diversity when observed in isolation seem to be contrasts, but when these two words are combined, stability is achieved, which exceeds beyond communities and ethnicities, His Excellency Dr Sam Nujoma, The Founding President of the Republic of Namibia and King of Uukwaludhi Traditional Authority, Josia Shikongo Taapopi during the Celebrations
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beyond villages and regions, mutating various people with their unique cultural practices and norms, into one national cultural identity.
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NATIONAL STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP ON DISABILITY HELD IN NAMIBIA HEAD OF OFFICE
UNICEF Representative and UN Resident Coordinator a.i, Ms. Rachel Odede delivers remarks on behalf of the UN A multi-stakeholders National Disability Workshop was held in Windhoek under the theme “Understanding the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Strategies for disability inclusive development in Namibia” by The United Nations, the Government of Namibia and the Private Sector. The workshop took place from 29 to 31 May 2018 at Safari Hotel, Windhoek and aimed at identifying potential obstacles which negatively impact the lives of persons with disabilities, in order to find inclusive development strategies to overcome them. Among the participants of the opening ceremony were high-level delegates, including Ms. Rachel Odede, UN Resident Coordinator; Mr. John Walters, the Ombudsman, Mr. Ben Nangombe, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President; Mr. Daniel Trum from National Federation of Persons With Disabilities Namibia; Hon. Alexia Mancombe-Ncube, Deputy Minister Office of the Vice President and Hon. Agnes Tjongarero, Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth and National Services. Delivering the welcome remarks and thereby starting the first session, Ms Iyambo, Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Vice President stressed that the workshop will be focussing on various objectives such as proposing recommendations with practical interventions for mainstreaming disabilities in the country. Speaking at the event, Mr. Meliherius Haukambe from the National Disability Council of Namibia (NDCN) gave insight into the scope of NDCN, which looks at the implementation of legal provisions for PwDs‘and generally at all necessary steps that have to be taken in order to improve the situation of PwDs in Namibia. Mr. Haukambe further talked about the partnership with Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) in running a project of Entrepreneurship with Persons with disabilities.
access to rehabilitation, information, education, employment, language, social welfare and housing, employment, environment, social, economic and legal protection. Although the policy was adopted way back in 1997, he outlined that many of its promises remain unfulfilled. Mr. Daniel Trum from the National Federation of Persons with disability, addressed the participants while speaking from experience, as he knows how life is being disabled. He looked upon Namibia favorably, emphasizing that the country is once again at the forefront of organizing a National Disability Workshop with the objective to strengthen partnership between civil society and government. He alluded to the strong need to bolster the People with Disabilities while focusing on sustainability at the same time. “Take note of the cries of PWD, budget cuts were done due to the lack of understanding by leaders to change the lives of PWD”, he urged. He further stressed that people with disability don’t want to only rely on the disability grant and that we should create opportunities for them to participate in the economic growth of Namibia. Ms. Rachel Odede, Acting UN Resident Coordinator delivered remarks on behalf of the United Nations, alluding to the shared commitment of the UN family to assist Namibia in addressing the challenges faced by PwDs’ with providing financial support to bridge knowledge gaps about PwDs, promoting social inclusion and combating stigma and discrimination. Furthermore she presented the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), signed and ratified by the UN and committed to respect the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to recognise their important role the play in society. Following, Hon. Agnes Tjongarero, Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth and National Services indicated that there are still bottlenecks in the implementation process of the Convention on local, regional and national levels, saying that the country still lags behind in areas of inclusive development concerning PwDs. She further outlined that Namibia needs a multi sectoral approach to tackle the barriers of inclusive development that people living with disabilities encounter. The 2nd Session of the workshop provided an overview of the
Addressing the public, Ombudsman Advocate John Walters indicated that disability is not listed under article 10 of the Constitution, as one potential reason for being discriminated. The Racial Discrimination Prohibition Act prohibits and criminalizes discrimination only on the grounds of color, race, nationality or ethnicity. Advocate Walters further referred to the National Policy on Disability that addresses every aspect regarding the rights of PwDs, like
Partial view of the participants of the workshop
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NATIONAL STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP ON DISABILITY HELD IN NAMIBIA HEAD OF OFFICE
Panelists at the 2nd Session of the Workshop talking about the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and looked at how it relates to the Namibian legal and policy framework. Ms. Martha Naanda from the Resident Coordinators Office, UN Nambia was the first speaker of the session, talking about the CRPD and the linkage to the SDG’s, followed by Ms. Ruusa Ntinda from the Law Reform and Development Commission who spoke about the CRPD in the Namibian Law contex. Mr. Tjiueza Tjombumbi from the National Disability Council presented on National Disability Policy and Mainstreaming Disability, while a Representative from the Ombudsman Office talked about the relevance of translating legalisation in to policies regarding CRPD. Mr. Ramon Maarsdorp from the Law Society Namibia spoke about opportunities for PoWs to access justice in CRPD and about community justice programmes to finally hand over to Representatives of the Namibian Statistics Agency, giving an overview about the data of PoWs and the respective value for planning and monitoring disability mainstreaming. The session ended with Q&A Discussion. Session 3 dealt with the challenges faced by children, learners and students with disabilities in various education settings, aiming to address their rights to education and training and find respective approaches. The Panel Presentation included Dr. Jean Pierre Ilboudo, Head of Office and Representative of UNESCO who opened the Session with underscoring the significance of education as a human right, to commonly reflect on how to ensure access for PWDs to education. Dr. Ilboudo during his presentation outlined the educational is a human right and the presentation gave an overall view on the achievements since 2000, there are 84 million fewer out of schools and 52 million of these are girls. He spoke on the strategies for tackling human rights for the marginalization. The presentation further explained the SDG and Education 2030 goal. Whereas SDG 4 calls for the inclusion of all learners and ensuring that each individual has an equal opportunity for educational progress while the 2030 agenda for sustainable development with its focus on leaving no one behind, provides a unique opportunity to build societies that inclusive and fair. The presentation also out lined the importance of building and upgrading educational facilities that is child, and disability and gender sensitive and
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for providing safe, non-violent effective learning environment for all. He also presented on the adoption of the United Nations convention on the rights of PwD is highly significant as people with disability including children often remain victim of discrimination and are deprived of equal opportunities. In his presentation, Dr. Ilboudo further stated that there are three strategies for tackling marginalization known as the Inclusive Triangle, which includes the Learning Environment, Accessibility and affordability as finally Entitlements and opportunities. “In realizing the rights of inclusivity, states parties shall ensure that, persons with disabilities are not excluded from the general education system on the basis of disability, and that children with disabilities are not excluded from free and compulsory primary education, or from secondary education, on the basis of disability. Persons with disabilities can access an inclusive, quality and free primary education and secondary education on an equal basis with others in the communities in which they live”, he said. As he concluded Dr. Ilboudo said, “State Parties should ensure Reasonable accommodation of the individual’s requirements is provided; Persons with disabilities receive the support required, within the general education system, to facilitate their effective education; Effective individualized support measures are provided in environments that maximize academic and social development, consistent with the goal of full inclusion.” Dr. Aune Victor from UNICEF presented on the early identification of disabilities and early intervention, while Ms. Leopoldine Nakashole from Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture spoke about Inclusive Basic Education. The Session continued with talks about Access to vocational and tertiary education for students with disabilities, delivered by Namibia Training Authority and University of Namibia, followed by Edwig Karipi from NAMCOL highlighting success stories of students with disabilities and talking about the new Disability Center at NAMCOL, being in the process of employing PwDs. The programme continued with a Q& A Session and the first day of the Workshop finally ended with working groups gathering to identify the challenges of PwDs in accessing education and to propose recommendations respectively.
Group photo of part of the panelists at the Workshop
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NAMIBIA CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LIVING TOGETHER IN PEACE
HEAD OF OFFICE
Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Ms. Sylvia Makgone (centre) during her keynote address The International Day of Living Together in Peace was celebrated for the first time ever all over the world on 16 May 2018, as a new UN Observance. On that occasion, celebrations were organised in the UN House in Windhoek by the United Nations of Namibia, the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation as well as the Algerian Embassy of Namibia. Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Ministers and Deputy Ministers of the Namibian Government, Civil Society Organisations and Non- Governmental Organizations, the UN Country Team of Namibia as well as UN staff members attended the observance. The celebrations of International Day of Living together in Peace on 16 May 2018 followed the adoption of the Resolution 72/130 by The United Nations General Assembly on 8 December 2017. The Resolution recognises the importance of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, which serves as the universal mandate for the international community, particularly the United Nations system. It aims at promoting a culture of peace and non-violence that benefits humanity, in particular future generations.
existence of the State, trying to destroy its institutions, committing the worst acts of barbarism against the population, targeting primarily, women, intellectuals, artists, state officials and even religious from both faiths, Islam and Christianity. They also destroyed important infrastructures, schools, public buildings and even peasant’s harvest trying to starve the population. It was a scorched earth policy that the terrorist groups were carrying out using the most sacred value of Algerians namely their religion, Islam.” Speaking at the celebration, the UN Resident Coordinator a.i Ms. Dennia Gayle highlighted that the UN was proud to be part of this new observance that was tabled by Algeria. “The UN acknowledges its active and continued engagement with partners to promote peace – as we all need to make changes in our lives to ensure that everyone enjoys prosperity, lives in peace and is free from discrimination. This starts with coming together, breaking down barriers and identifying common objectives,” she said. Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Ms. Sylvia Makgone delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. She noted that the Resolution calls on all nations to further promote reconciliation to help to ensure peace and sustainable development, including by working with communities, faith leaders and the relevant actors, through reconciliatory measures and acts of service and by encouraging forgiveness and compassion among individuals. “Here in Namibia, we recognized early on that, if we have to overcome the deep division brought about by apartheid, we have to embrace one another, irrespective of race or ethnicity. Hence government adopted the Policy of National Reconciliation. This is a long process that needs maturing through various policy implementation. Notwithstanding our government is fully committed to the Policy of National Reconciliation,” she said. The keynote address was followed by a presentation and discussions facilitated by Mr. Dickson Kasote from the UNESCO Social and Human Science Sector. He alluded to concepts of cultural diversity, inter-ethnic dialogue, inter cultural dialogue and tolerance, to address the audience in the end with posing respective questions, like “What measures should countries or regions put in place to achieve social cohesion while embracing religious, ethnic and cultural differences among people?" He opened the floor for the attendees, to contribute to the discussions by commenting or reflecting on the questions and discussion points. Many useful recommendations and observations were noted in
Algerian Ambassador to the Republic of Namibia Mr. Sid Ali Abdelbari, whose country tabled the Resolution at the UN General Conference The Ambassador of Algeria to the Republic of Namibia, Mr. Sid Ali Abdelbari, opened the ceremony by explaining the reasons that led his country to propose celebrating the International Day of Living together in Peace: “This initiative is based on the bitter experience that Algeria witnessed in the 90’s. The country was hit by a barbaric terrorism which spared nothing, threatening the very
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Minister of Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, Hon. Bishop Dr. Zephania Kameeta contributes to the discussion about cultural diversity
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NAMIBIA CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LIVING TOGETHER IN PEACE
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Group photo of Ministers and Deputy Ministers of the Namibian Government with Members of Diplomatic Corps, Civil Soviety Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations and the UN Country Team respect thereof, and a report will be developed to be shared nationally to encourage further discussions and initiatives. Among the people who participated in the discussions was the Media Ombudsman, Mr. John Nakuta who talked about the need for a legislative framework that addresses discrimination against LGBT people (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) in Namibia. In respect thereof he mentioned an advert that was based on Transgender Discrimination, causing a spate of complaints by people reporting to the Media Ombudsman’s Office. Rising to speak, the Minister of Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, Hon. Bishop Dr. Zephania Kameeta alluded to the need for passionate people, to tackle humanitarian issues, referring to Mother Teresa as an outstanding example. The Honourable Minister encouraged the community to take action, instead of waiting for the government to do so. He stressed that education about tolerance and respect for each other starts at home and should be followed up later in schools.
UNESCO’s Social and Human Science Consultant, Mr Dickson Kasote, during his presentation on cultural diversity, inter-ethnic dialogue, inter-cultural dialogue and tolerance
Deputy Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Hon. Lucia Witbooi, mentioned that peace-building is critical for development
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and that we have to stop the blame-game and start taking responsibility on our own instead. She emphasized the importance of „Culture vs. Tolerance“, saying that it is necessary to embrace our own culture while tolerating others, to celebrate cultural diversity. She also referred to the achievements of the Government of Namibia, pointing at the introduction of the subject Religious and Moral Education that replaced Bible Studies in the syllabus, to foreground religious diversity. Head of Office from UNESCO Windhoek, Dr. Jean- Pierre Ilboudo proposed a philosophical approach to encounter the overall topic of the observance, alluding to the importance of finding a new philosophy nowadays to tackle related issues. He said that UNESCO intends to organize workshops on interreligious and interethnic dialogue in Namibia this year, aiming at convening all the leaders from the different religious communities and tribes in Namibia to stimulate dialogue and combat existing stereotypes. The Ambassador of Algeria to the Republic of Namibia, Sid Ali Abdelbari, insisted that we should strengthen education linked to cultural diversity and that solidarity is key to peace. He alluded to socio-economic factors like poverty, social injustice and marginalization as being root causes for violence and stumbling blocks to peace, saying that we need to tackle these disparities in order to bring about lasting peace. Mr. Abdelbari further indicated that we need to protect religion from political misuse and that democracy is crucial for peace-building processes. In the end another valuable comment was made about the definition of the term “culture”, saying that Culture should not be seen as something static, but something that must be fluid and shaped by the circumstances and areas that we live in, it should be embraced as a way of life. Ms Anthea Basson, Head of the United Nations Information Centre, closed the ceremony by pointing to Namibia’s potential to grow as a country being united in all of its diversity: “Our country boasts an ethnic diversity we are all proud of. We are all different, but united under our common purpose as Namibians. Living together in peace is accepting differences and having the ability to listen to, recognize, respect and appreciate others, as well as living in a peaceful and united way.”
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NAMIBIA CELEBRATION OF WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION
The Ambassador of European Union to Namibia Ms. Jana Hybaskova in her remarks praised journalists for reporting objectively when reporting on EU affairs and continued to stress that Namibia can only be stable if all Namibians are well informed to make decisions. She also spoke about the General Data Protection Bill that will be launched later this year and urged journalists to put pressure on the Namibian government to pass the whistle blower Act to combat corruption.
UNESCO Head of Windhoek Office and Representative to Namibia, Dr Jean-Pierre Ilboudo delivers remarks at the World Press Freedom Day UNESCO celebrated Word Press Freedom Day under the theme “Sustainability of the Media in Namibia” on 8 May 2018 at Safari Court Hotel. The global theme for these year was “Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and the Rule of Law”. The event was attended by the Minister of Information and Communication Technologies Hon. Stanley Simataa, Ambassador of the European Union to Namibia Ms. Jana Hybaskova, Prof. Herman Wasserman from the University of Cape Town, UNESCO Head of Office and Representative to Namibia, Dr. Jean Pierre Ilboudo, Mr. Isaack Hamata the Chief Executive Officer of Namibian Press Agency, Mr. Amor Basson from the Namibian Community Broadcasters Network, and media practitioners. Mr. Joseph Ailonga Chairperson of the Editors Forum during his welcome remarks mentioned that sustainability is vital when it comes to holding power to account but also asked how this can be done when “our stomachs are hungry” and further complimented journalist for getting information to the people. UNESCO is actively involved in defending the freedom of expression, which is at the core of its mandate. The theme chosen this year was an open invitation to think of the relations between the media, justice and the rule of law. It was also an opportunity to examine the new challenges regarding the freedom of online press.
Director of the Centre of Film and Media Studies, University of Cape Town, South Africa, Professor Herman Wasserman during the panel discussion
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In his remark, Hon. Stanley Simataa said that freedom of speech and expression are fundamental human rights and freedom of the media and access to information are key fundamentals of any democracy in the world as it contributes to a dynamic civil society. He stated that his ministry will soon sanction a thorough review and investigation of what has led to the steady decline in the global Press Freedom ranking of Namibia dropping from first in Africa to second, as it concerns government whose hope is to keep the country at the top when it comes to media freedom. He urged journalists to reflect on the effectiveness of their mandate and build the capacity of young journalist to report effectively and objectively. In concluding his keynote address the minister said “on a day a like this we should take stock and appreciate media freedom and that it’s a beacon of hope in upholding freedom of press globally.”
Panelists hold a discussion during the WPFD Celebration Mr. Dietrich Reimmert from Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) presented preliminary research findings which reflected on media sustainability in Namibia. During his presentation he outlined the challenges that contributes to the decline in print media which include: The 2016 economic recession, declining advertising revenue, and crowed media market, negative impact on quality journalism & ownership, which led to cost cutting, retrenchments and decline of investigative journalism. “My concern is, only big players may be able to compete in Namibian market, with negative consequences for diversity of view” he said. The celebrations ended with an insightful panel discussion where it was agreed that sustainability is not only a concern for Africa but the world, because of the change in landscape of social media. Ms. Gwen Lister said that print media has started to drop in Europe and other countries more than in Africa until 2017 when advertisers started to decline. She also emphasized on the quality of content put out, saying she feels strongly that print media won’t completely phase out as people would go back to print media when looking for information , hence the media needs to innova-
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NAMIBIA CELEBRATION OF WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION
Message from the Director-General "Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.” These words written by Thomas Jefferson in 1786 have a universal scope that transcends the historical moment of the foundation of the United States of America. Any State under the rule of law that respects individual freedoms, and particularly the freedoms of opinion, conscience and expression, relies on a free, independent press that is safe from censorship or coercion. Minister of Information and Communication Technologies Hon. Stanley Simataa during his address tive in attracting the youth the pool of digital media is more of threat to print. “If we accept that digital media is the future, then media literacy is important and will need to teach people to seek out news and information on the internet and that would add value to their lives”. Press freedom ranking has nothing to do with the quality of journalism but rather the environment in which journalists work. She appealed to the public to appreciate good journalism. Mr. Isaak Hamata added that a Journalist is an honorable profession he urged reporters to read and know more to provide the right information for the public to make right decisions. The board member of the Namibia Broadcasters Network Mr. Amor Basson asked the minister if the Government can make a provision to help community radios because the South African government has a yearly budget for community radio and that helps keep them to be sustainable because donor funds has decline drastically, in responds the minister said “to facilitate funding for community radio’s is a very toll order but the Government has a responsibility to sustain media, and government has created institutions to advance the development agenda of Namibia”. The event ended with a Q& A and these are some recommendations made: • Show case good journalist stories that made a positive difference/ host awards • Work with the media ombudsman’s office • Pay journalist a market related salary with benefits • Create a body that represents journalist • Build trust and community through journalism • Pay per view and restrict the view of the story
The ideal of a State under the rule of law calls for well-informed citizens, transparent political decisions, public debates on topics of common interest and a plurality of viewpoints that shapes opinions and undermines official truths and dogmatism. This shaping and informative power mainly falls to the press and the media in general, under all their guises and through various mediums. UNESCO is actively involved in defending the freedom of expression, which is at the core of its mandate, and today celebrates the 25th World Press Freedom Day. The theme chosen this year is an open invitation to think of the relations between the media, justice and the rule of law. It is also an opportunity to examine the new challenges regarding the freedom of online press. Freedom of the press, like any other freedom, is never completely secure. The development of a knowledge and information-based society via digital channels implies heightened vigilance, to ensure the essential criteria of transparency, free access and quality. Quality information requires working to check sources and select pertinent subjects; it calls for ethics and an independence of mind. It thus depends entirely on the work of journalists. World Press Freedom Day is also an opportunity to highlight the crucial role played by this profession in defending and preserving the democratic rule of law. In 2017, 79 journalists were assassinated worldwide in the exercise of their profession. UNESCO is committed to defending the safety of journalists and fighting against impunity for crimes committed against them. It also contributes to their training and helps the authorities in different countries to adapt their laws on freedom of expression to international standards. On the occasion of this year’s World Press Freedom Day, UNESCO is organizing an international conference for the defence of the freedom of the press, to be held in Ghana, during which the UNESCO-Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize will be awarded. The Prize bears the name of the Colombian journalist assassinated in 1986 for bravely denouncing the power of drug-trafficking cartels.
Panel members at the Official Ceremony of the World Press Freedom Day 2018
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Today, we invite you to celebrate the freedom of the press and the work carried out by journalists, and to participate in the online campaign around the hashtags #WorldPressFreedomDay and #PressFreedom
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INTERNATIONAL COMMEMORATION OF WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2018 IN ACCRA (GHANA) COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION In 2018, UNESCO led the 25th celebration of World Press Freedom Day. The main event, jointly organized by UNESCO and the Government of the Republic of Ghana, took place in Accra, Ghana on 2 – 3 May. This year’s global theme was ‘Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and The Rule of Law’, and covered issues of media and the transparency of the political process, the independence and media literacy of the judicial system, and the accountability of state institutions towards the public. The Day also examined contemporary challenges of ensuring press freedom online. During the commemoration of the day was also the joint Launch of the UNESCO Report on “World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development” and the UNESCO Global Report “Re-shaping
Cultural Policies”. UNESCO’s new two 2018 Global Reports examine from different but interdependent perspectives the global situation of freedom of expression and creation, access to information and cultural life, and the protection of fundamental freedoms. They also provide new information and data on the new challenges in media development and cultural policy for the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In so doing, they remind us that free, plural and independent media, as well as artistic freedom and creativity are key to the functioning of strong and vibrant democratic societies. The Global Report on World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development 2017/2018 revealed the following:
Trends in Media Freedom Continued legal restrictions: including defamation, insult, blasphemy and lèse majesté laws
Number of internet shutdowns: Increase in Blocking, filtering and shutdowns; 2015 – 2016: 18 56 National Security Concerns, states of emergency and anti –terrorism laws have curtailed freedom of expression Countries with freedom information laws
Digital Media have raised new challenges for privacy and journalist source UNESCO Member States have given support for Internet Universality, for an internet that is Rights- based, Open, Accessible and Multi – Stakeholder (R.O.A.M principles)
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INTERNATIONAL COMMEMORATION OF WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2018 IN ACCRA (GHANA) COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION
Trends in Media Freedom
The availability of Media Content has dramatically increased, largely through sharing user- generated content on social media
Algorithm – ranked search results and social media news feeds have contributed to the creation of ‘echo chambers’ and ‘filter bubbles’, where people reinforce their beliefs rather than dialogue across differences
The practice of ‘zero – ranking’ has increased pluralism in terms of access, but it has raised concerns about limiting net neutrality
Percentage of individuals with access to the internet: nearly half of the world’s population now has access to the internet
Women remain underrepresented in the Media, making up only: • 1 in 4 media decision – makers • 1 in 3 reporters • 1 in 5 experts interviewed
Newspaper Circulation has fallen in all regions, except in Asia and the Pacific
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INTERNATIONAL COMMEMORATION OF WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2018 IN ACCRA (GHANA) COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION
Trends in Media Independence
Trust in News Media is seen to have declined in some regions
Increased dependence on government and corporate subsidies is linked to disruptions in business models
Increased self – regulatory efforts by Internet Intermediaries are promoting media and information literacy, counteracting ‘fake news’ and tackling online abuse
Rise in Criticism of the Media by political figures is encouraging self – censorship and undermining media’s credibility
Broadcast Licensing continues to be driven by political and commercial interests
Self – regulatory bodies, which can support the exercise of professional standards while maintaining editorial independence, have grown in post – conflict and developing countries
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INTERNATIONAL COMMEMORATION OF WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2018 IN ACCRA (GHANA) COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION
Trends in Safety of Journalists 530 Journalists were killed between 2012 and 2016
Member States have become more responsive to UNESCO’s requests on the safety of journalist, 2013 - 2017
Journalists killed between 2012 and 2016 were: 92 % local; 93 % male
Impunity for crimes against journalists: 9 in 10 cases remain unpunished
Growing threats to digital safety include cyberattacks, surveillance, hacking, intimidation and rise in online harassment, especially of women journalists
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INTERNATIONAL COMMEMORATION OF WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2018 IN ACCRA (GHANA) COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION
Accra Declaration World Press Freedom Day 2018 “Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and the Rule of Law”
We, the participants at the UNESCO World Press Freedom Day International Conference, held in Accra, Ghana, 2-3 May 2018, 1. Recalling Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”; 2. Noting that the preamble to the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa reaffirms the “fundamental importance of freedom of expression as an individual human right, as a cornerstone of democracy and as a means of ensuring respect for all human rights and freedoms”; 3. Celebrating the historical and enduring importance of the Declaration of Windhoek on Promoting Independent and Pluralistic Media which reaffirmed the key principles for the existence of a free media; 4. Recognising that freedom of expression, including media freedom, is a fundamental underpinning for the successful operation of all democratic mechanisms which keep power in check and hold it to account, as well as for sustainable development; 5. Emphasising States’ obligations to create an enabling legal and policy environment so as to foster an independent and diverse media sector and to promote respect for freedom of expression; 6. Aware that respect for freedom of expression depends on the rule of law and, in turn, an independent judiciary which is aware of and upholds international, constitutional and regional standards governing human rights and freedom of expression; 7. Acknowledging the widespread need for judicial reform, which has contributed to impunity for crimes against journalists and media workers; 8. Noting with concern global backsliding in terms of respect for freedom of expression, media diversity, and journalistic safety and independence, as highlighted in UNESCO’s report on World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development: Global Report 2017/2018; 9. Recalling that in 2019 the United Nations will review progress on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions, including target 16.10 on “public access to information and fundamental freedoms” and its indicators on safety of journalists and guarantees of the right to information; 10. Reaffirming the importance of highlighting these issues, including on 3 May, World Press Freedom Day; 28 September, International Day for Universal Access to Information; and 2 November, International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists; 11. Acknowledging that most States still have a long way to go to achieve gender equality in and through the media; 12. Recognising the essential role played by a free, independent and diverse media during elections and the particular need for States to respect freedom of expression during election periods; 13. Highlighting the threat posed to the free flow of information and ideas in society, as guaranteed by international law, by the proliferation of falsified information and the growing phenomenon of information silos or “social media bubbles”;
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INTERNATIONAL COMMEMORATION OF WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2018 IN ACCRA (GHANA) COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION 14. Concerned about the continuing challenges to meaningful access to and use of the Internet, and the impact on freedom of expression of disproportionate regulatory responses regarding the Internet; 15. Disturbed by the growing number of intentional disruptions of communications networks and platforms, which violates the right to freedom of expression and hampers sustainable development; 16. Convinced that professional, independent journalism, based on independently verifiable facts, and in particular investigative journalism, play an essential role in terms of holding the government and other powerful actors to account, keeping the public informed, exposing wrongdoing, creating spaces for healthy public debate and enabling public participation in decision-making; 17. Stressing the increasing economic difficulties facing media outlets, especially those that are committed to professional and investigative journalism, and the obligation on States to take measures to mitigate this challenge, while respecting media and editorial independence; 18. Emphasising that media freedom and independence cannot exist where journalists live in poverty and fear; 19. Welcoming the growing number of States which have adopted laws giving effect to the right to access information held by public authorities (right to information), while also calling on all States which have not yet done so to adopt such laws and on all States to ensure proper implementation of those laws; 20. Mindful of the particular difficulties of protecting, in the digital era, confidential journalistic sources, which is a pre-requisite for independent journalism; 21. Alarmed at the proliferation of laws restricting freedom of expression in the name of protecting national security and combating extremism and terrorism which fail to respect relevant international standards; 22. Concerned that journalists in many countries are denied their rights freely to join or form organisations to defend themselves and/or protect their rights; 23. Deploring the fact that the rate of attacks on journalists, including digital attacks on female journalists, remains unacceptably high and that the rate of impunity for these crimes also remains unacceptably high; 24. Honouring the journalists and media workers who contribute to media freedom through their work and commitment, often at the risk of their safety and personal security; We therefore: Call on each UNESCO Member State to: 25. Create, strengthen and/or implement, as needed, an enabling legal and policy framework in line with international standards to ensure respect for freedom of expression and privacy, and foster a diverse, independent media sector, and ensure that relevant officials are properly trained so as to respect that framework in practice; 26. Embrace an inclusive, participatory approach to developing laws and policies to ensure respect for freedom of expression; 27. Enhance judicial independence and the capacity of administration of justice actors – including the police, prosecutors and judges – to respect freedom of expression themselves, to ensure that those responsible for threats or attacks against journalists, media outlets and others for exercising their right to freedom of expression are brought to justice via fair and impartial proceedings, and otherwise to decide cases that raise freedom of expression issues in line with international standards; 28. Adopt strong and appropriate anti-discrimination rules, including in relation to gender, with a view, among other things, to ensuring that everyone in society can enjoy equally the right to freedom of expression; 29. Align their rules on the right to information with international standards, where necessary by adopting or amending right to information legislation, ensure that these rules are implemented properly, and monitor progress on achieving indicator SDG 16.10.2 on guarantees for the right to information; 30. Put in place, where the context warrants, dedicated national safety mechanisms to: monitor progress on SDG indicator
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INTERNATIONAL COMMEMORATION OF WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2018 IN ACCRA (GHANA) COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION 16.10.1 on safety of journalists and respond to annual requests by the UNESCO Director General for information on impunity; provide protection for journalists and others who are attacked for exercising their right to freedom of expression; and combat impunity when such attacks do occur; 31. Consider reporting to relevant United Nations bodies on the measures they have taken to advance progress on SDG indicators 16.0.1 and 16.10.2; 32. Review, as necessary, restrictions on freedom of expression which purport to protect national security or to support the fight against terrorism so as to ensure that they fully respect international freedom of expression standards; 33. Respect judicial decisions of regional human rights courts, including on freedom of expression issues; 34. Refrain from prohibiting or criminalising the use of encryption and anonymity tools; 35. Recognise in law the right of journalists to protect the secrecy of their confidential sources of information and ensure that such protection extends to cover digital surveillance and other ways in which sources might be exposed; 36. Review cases of journalists who are in prison for their work, with a view to ensuring the release of anyone whose prosecution was not in line with constitutional and international standards; 37. Protect digital intermediaries against liability for illegal third party content unless they specifically intervene in or promote that content or refuse to obey an order adopted by an independent oversight body to remove it; 38. Abstain from delegating, legally or through political pressure, the regulation of online content to platforms (privatising censorship); 39. Refrain from adopting laws which create broad offences or impose special penalties simply because activities are committed online, and limit the scope of any cybercrime laws to activities which may legitimately be restricted under international law and which are not already covered by existing laws; 40. Avoid adopting regulatory responses to the problems of disinformation and misinformation which are broadly or vaguely worded, fail to respect international standards of necessity, proportionality and legitimate purpose, and/or which risk infringing on freedom of expression; 41. Develop a framework for the protection of communications systems against cyber attacks and for providing protection as needed to those whose face a risk of cyber attack in retaliation for exercising their right to freedom of expression; 42. Refrain from conducting untargeted or indiscriminate surveillance, which is inherently disproportionate and is a violation of the rights to privacy and freedom of expression. 43. Avoid imposing Internet or other general communications shutdowns, or other measures that unduly or disproportionately limit the digital exchange of information, including via filtering or blocking techniques; 44. Foster media and information literacy among the general public, with a particular focus on the youth, in various ways, including by incorporating it into the school curriculum; 45. Respect, through law and practice, judicial independence and the rule of law, including where judges interpret international or constitutional human rights guarantees in a way that overrides national legislation; 46. Promote media diversity, including by preventing excessive concentration of media ownership, by requiring media outlets to be transparent about their ownership, by fostering a three tier broadcasting system comprising public service, commercial and community broadcasters, by promoting fair representation in the media of different groups in society, by creating equal opportunities for persons with disabilities and by converting, where they exist, government or State broadcasters into public service broadcasters; 47. Recognise, in law and in practice, the right to freedom of association for media workers; 48. Encourage and support artists and other creative thinkers, including by providing training on using digital communications
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INTERNATIONAL COMMEMORATION OF WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2018 tools and online platforms to create robust business models for disseminating their work and connecting with their audiences; 49. Consider putting in place measures to strengthen the economic environment for quality journalism, investigative journalism and independent, professional media; 50. Promote universal access to the Internet at affordable prices, including through the establishment of free public access points in both urban and rural areas; Call on UNESCO to: 51. Continue to provide leadership on the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, and strengthen networks of focal points within the UN system and within Member States where appropriate; 52. Continue to support efforts to monitor and promote safety of journalists, including through capacity building of administration of justice actors, civil society and researchers, by promoting academic networks, and through assisting with the establishment and operation of national safety mechanisms; 53. Continue to monitor the implementation by States of SDG 16.10 on public access to information and fundamental freedoms, using the agreed indicators on the safety of journalists and access to information; 54. Support, where they do not already exist, official regional bodies and mechanisms with a mandate to promote and protect the right to freedom of expression; 55. Share good practices on the media’s role in elections, including by supporting the work of the Inter-Agency Coordination Mechanism for UN Electoral Assistance (ICMEA); 56. Support further training of judges, judicial officials, administration of justice actors and security forces on freedom of expression, including in different regions of the world; 57. Foster initiatives to address the problem of gender inequality in and through the media; 58. Continue to support the creation of enabling environments for the development of community radio, including the ability of such radios to take full advantage of digital technologies; 59. Promote Internet Universality and related indicators for an Internet that is characterised by human Rights, Openness, Accessibility and Multi-stakeholder participation (the ROAM principles); 60. Support training and capacity building to journalists in the area of digital safety and security, including the use of open and other technologies enabling such benefits as anonymity, encryption and material (content) security with a view, among other things, to preventing digital surveillance of their work and digital attacks on their devices, and protecting their confidential sources of information; 61. Support the provision of capacity building for journalists in the area of legal awareness; 62. Foster research and public debate about ways to counter the deliberate proliferation of inaccurate content and the phenomenon of “social media bubbles” and work with intermediaries to counter these problems and to promote debate about them; 63. Further reinforce its Media and Information Literacy programme initiatives; 64. Seek out ways to engage and inspire children and young people to defend democracy, the rule of law and fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression; Call on journalists, media outlets, social media practitioners and Internet intermediaries to: 65. Disseminate verifiable information to the public with a view to monitoring and holding powerful public and social actors to account and to exposing illegality and other forms of wrongdoing; 66. Make a particular effort during elections to ensure that the public is provided with independently verifiable information about
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INTERNATIONAL COMMEMORATION OF WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2018 IN ACCRA (GHANA) COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION parties, candidates and issues, and about any efforts to manipulate or influence the election, so that voters can make informed electoral choices; 67. Be transparent about their policies and business practices, especially where these lead to the dissemination or prioritisation of information which supports a particular political party or point of view on a matter of public debate, including by drafting policies in clear and understandable terms and by translating them into relevant languages; 68. Put in place systems for public redress or complaints, based on clear standards or codes of conduct, which ensure that complaints are dealt with fairly both procedurally (due process) and substantively (decisions are based objectively on the code); 69. Respect social rights including by providing fair payment, working conditions and insurance for media workers; 70. Support, as appropriate, efforts to expose inaccurate or misleading information, including by reporting on it and by putting in place appropriate technical measures, which have been developed in a transparent and consultative manner, to help identify and expose it; 71. Provide, as needed, safety equipment and training to staff who are at risk of attack for the information they disseminate, including specialised training for women; 72. Take seriously their own responsibilities to respect human rights, including privacy and freedom of expression, especially insofar as they play a role in mediating the expressive activities of their users or potentially exposing private information; 73. Adopt policies and practices to address inequalities based on gender and vulnerable group status in both media content and media operations, including by ensuring equitable coverage and voice opportunities for these groups and avoiding reporting based on stereotypes or prejudice; Call on civil society, academia and the technical community to consider: 74. Advocating for reform of the legal and policy framework, as needed, to bring it into line with international standards regarding freedom of expression, especially in relation to laws affecting the dissemination of information via digital communications tools; 75. Promoting Internet Universality and related indicators for an Internet that is characterised by human Rights, Openness, Accessibility and Multi-stakeholder participation (the ROAM principles); 76. Supporting research and monitoring efforts in the area of safety of journalists with a view to ensuring that rapid and accurate information about threats, risks and attacks is provided to the relevant authorities so that protection and impunity measures can be delivered quickly and effectively, and that official actors are held to account for any failures in this regard, and with a view to building the knowledge base needed for greater understanding of the issues and for underpinning the design of safety mechanisms; 77. Collaborating with other stakeholders to support media and information literacy programmes and research; 78. Researching, developing and sharing technical and other solutions to the problems regarding the free flow of information and ideas in society that have been created or exacerbated by digital communications technologies; 79. Working with online platforms and other intermediaries to improve their respect for human rights; 80. Denouncing attacks on freedom of expression and media freedom in whatever form they take and whoever perpetrates them, whether public authorities, political actors, Internet intermediaries, or others.
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BLOGGERS TRAINED COMMEMORATION OF WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY REFLECTION OF THE IN MONTH: UNESCO’S WORK ON INTERNET GOVERNANCE COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION
UNESCO Head of Windhoek Office and Representative to Namibia, Dr Jean-Pierre Ilboudo delivers the welcome remarks at the Training of Bloggers A Training of Bloggers was held on 7 May as part of this years‘s celebration of World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) in Namibia. The theme this year was “Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and The Rule of Law“. The training took place at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and was hosted by the Internet Society of Namibia, Editors Forum of Namibia and UNESCO Windhoek Office, in collaboration with Namibia Media Trust, Ministry of ICT and the European Union. The workshop was attended by media students and youth. The event aimed at empowering young people with blogging, coding and other ICT literacy skills, to make their voice is heard in the national discourse, to promote social inclusion and to strengthen democracy in Namibia. Delivering the welcome remarks, Dr. Jean Pierre Ilboudo, Head of Office UNESCO Windhoek, talked about the benefits and challenges that the digital age entails in terms of freedom of expression and access to information, while linking it to the importance of improving self-regulatory systems and looking at the role of the judiciary in shaping internet-related law. Furthermore Dr. Ilboudo underscored the assigned responsibility of all the present and prospective bloggers attending the workshop,“You are expected to serve as change agents and ICT Champions, encouraging other women in your respective communities and regions and educating others on ICT usage, creating demand for Internet usage, evangelizing about coding and the importance of creating and owning blogs.“
Social Media Specialist Ms. Janet Faden educates the young bloggers on Reporting on Transparency and Accountability sion by giving an insight into Fundamental Human Rights online & African Charter of Internet Freedom and Rights. In this context, Ms. Tibinyane elaborated on the situation in Namibia, she emphasizing Namibia’s drop in the Press Freedom Ranking 2018 (from 23 to 26/180) and looking at possible causes in this regard. Furthermore she examined government’s accountability within the media environment and encouraged the youth to speak out on socio-economic and political matters, indicating that “citizens should not leave the task of civic action to civil society and the media only.” Initiating the second session, Janet Faden gave the participants an understanding of Reporting on Transparency & Accountability, before handing over to Milton Louw, a Namibian Blogger, who taught the attending youth about Social Media & Personal Brand Management. Mr. Louw talked about Social Media Influencers, focusing on the different types of Influencers (including bloggers themselves), the importance of knowing your target audience, the measuring and tracking of your impact and the possibilities of earning money as a Social Media Influencer. Ms. Faden ended the Workshop with teaching the attendees what to consider when designing a blog: “You need to define why you want to start a blog and who will be your target audience, then use other social media platforms to publicize your blog.” At the end of the Training, Ms. Nashilongo Gervasius, Chairperson of the Internet Society in Namibia, encouraged the participants to earn money with blogging and stressed the importance of posting on social media in someone’s respective vernacular. The participants were finally rewarded with WPFD T-Shirts, backpacks and flash drives to commemorate the day.
Starting the first session of the Workshop was Mr. Hugh Ellis, a Lecturer at NUST. He inducted the participants into the world of blogging, giving them basic information about how to create a blog and using photography as a proper tool. The main tranier at the training was a Media Specialist from Nigeria, Ms. Janet Faden. She spoke about access to information and service delivery, encouraging the youth to use blogging as a means to tell their own stories about Namibia, instead of letting foreign media reporters create a misguiding picture about the country with distorted coverage. Ms. Natasha Tibinyane a social activist completed the first ses-
UNESCO Windhoek Office Newsletter, Issue 31
Chairperson of the Internet Society in Namibia, Ms. Nashilongo Gervasius rewards the participants at the end of the training
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UNESCO PARTICIPATES AT THE INAUGURAL NAMA CULTURAL FESTIVAL CULTURE
for division but now Namibians must use it for peace, unit and nation building. She emphasized that the Cabinet has mandated MoEAC to explore and implement the economic possibilities of culture and the ministry needs all stakeholders including historians to collaborate in the processes. Delivering UNESCO remarks on behalf of the Head of Office and UNESCO Representative in Namibia, Mr Dickson Kasote noted that the diversity of cultural expressions is a precondition for a vibrant and dynamic culture sector. It is a source of creativity and innovation, and a force for social inclusion and participation and this is why it must be protected and promoted. He alluded to the UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, saying that it provides an innova-
Festivegoers dance to traditional Nama music during the Festival
tive and flexible framework for the promotion of cultural diversity. Mr Kasote further said that the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions presuppose the recognition of
The first ever Nama Cultural Festival was held at the southern town of Keetmashoop in the //Kharas Region under theme Nama Khoeda ge which translate to ‘We are Nama people’. The festival which took place from 24 to 27 May 2018 was officially opened at the Keetmanshoop Stadium. The festival was attended by Hon. Katrina Hanse Himarwa, the Minister of Education, Arts and Culture (MoEAC), deputy ministers, Mem-
equal dignity and respect for all cultures, including the cultures of persons belonging to minorities and indigenous peoples. Mr Jeremias Goeieman from the Directorate of Education, Arts and Culture,//Kharas Region spoke about the importance of language. Mr Goeieman said every Nama should raise their children in the DamaraNama language so that they can embrace the Nama
bers of Parliament, councilors and other government officials.
culture. “Your language is your identity, you cannot raise a child in
Mr Dawid #Eigub welcomed the festivalgoers to the event and
argued Mr Goeieman. He also called for the strengthening of
stressed that it was a platform to address social issues and to transfer Nama cultural values and norms to the youth, as well as to pave the way forward and create a “new reality for the Nama nation”. Mr #Eigub bemoaned the divisions among Nama clans which he said have caused lack of cohesion and social bonds. He further underscored that unity cannot prevail without love, justice and the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood and that the Cultural Festival was an important platform to create a new pillar to build
another language and expect them not to have another culture” indigenous languages in schools and informed the gathering that 20 students have enrolled to study Khoekhoegobab at the University of Namibia. The festival was completed with cultural performances from different Nama cultural groups who showcased their culture through music and dance. Men on horseback performed throughout the official ceremony, presenting the festivalgoers with an exciting
unity among Nama people.
spectacle. Nama artisans displayed various items for sale at stalls
Mr #Eigub called on all Nama people to become positive role
throughout the festival.
around the stadium and different traditional cuisines were sold
players in the development of Namibia and Africa at large. He challenged all Nama people, specifically the youth to learn more about their heritage so that they can know who they are: “If people do not know who they are, they cannot appreciate other cultures”, said Mr #Eigub. Delivering her remarks, Hon. Hanse-Himarwa stated that the celebration of the Nama culture and heritage is a constitutional right enshrined in Article 19 of the Namibian Constitution which says every person shall be entitled to enjoy, practise, profess, maintain and promote any culture, language, tradition or religion. She said the festival was a platform that brought together different Nama group as one and marks the celebration of Nama traditions and values. The Hon. Minister pointed out that culture was once used as a tool
UNESCO Windhoek Office Newsletter, Issue 31
Cultural performances from different Nama cultural groups at the ceremony
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GLOBAL EDUCATION MONITORING REPORT 2017/18 LAUNCH EDUCATION
PS for the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture Mrs Sanet L. Steenkamp with the Minister of Education, Arts and Culture Hon. Katrina Hanse-Himarwa and UNESCO Representative for Namibia Dr Jean-Pierre Ilboudo receiving the GEM Report The 2017/18 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report was launched by UNESCO Windhoek Office and the Namibia National Commission for UNESCO in Windhoek, on
Hon. Katrina Hanse-Himarwa giving inputs during the panel discussion The panel discussion held after the official launch and handover of the report, helped to unpack the theme: “How Inclusive is the Education System in Namibia?”
17 May 2018, followed by a panel discussion.
A lively debate took place with members of the UN, Ministry of
The 2017/18 GEM Report under the theme, ‘Accountability in
findings or recommendations that came out express the need of
education: Meeting our commitments’ continues its assessment of
allocating resources according to the evidence of needs, that
progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal on education
school leadership is key for accountability on education, the imple-
(SDG4) and its 10 targets, as well as other related education
mentation of the Namibia Education Act must be assured, the need
targets in the SDG agenda. The report examines accountability in
to effectively monitor policies and programmes and collect quality
education, analysing how all relevant stakeholders can provide
data, to understand the different needs of diverse students,
education more effectively, efficiently and equitably.
motivate teachers and develop materials among others.
Hon. Katrina Hanse-Himarwa, Minister of Education, Arts and
Government is accountable for the quality of the education offered
Culture, together with Dr Jean-Pierre Ilboudo, UNESCO Repre-
in the country but this cannot be materialized without the engage-
sentative for Namibia opened the session that would lead to
ment of all the different relevant stakeholders. Communities,
subsequent discussions on the topic of accountability in education
organizations and institutions must come together to achieve the
and particularly how inclusive the education system is in Namibia.
common goal of improving the access and quality of the education
Ms Carolyn Medel-Anonuevo, Education Specialist from the
in Namibia. UNESCO encourages all of Namibia to create owner-
UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSA) also shared
ship in the communities, engaging students, teachers, parents and
a very comprehensive presentation on the content of the report,
civil society in general, because education is the cornerstone for a
revealing the positive trends on education in the region.
quality development in any country in the world.
Education, Arts and Culture, and CSOs as panellists. Some of the
Representatives from the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation, officials involved in planning, policy-makers, teachers, school managers, Teacher Training Institutions, Teacher Unions, researchers, international organisations, UN agencies, youth, the private sector and representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) as well as the media were present during the fruitful session. The 2017/8 GEM Report examines different accountability mechanisms that are used to hold governments, schools, teachers, parents, students, international organisations, and the private sector accountable for inclusive, equitable and quality education.
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Group photo of the participants showcasing the 2017/18 GEM Report
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UNESCO CHINA-FUNDS-IN-TRUST (CFIT) STUDY TOUR IN NAMIBIA EDUCATION
Group photo of the participants from the 10 African countries during the CFIT Study Tour The UNESCO-China-Funds-in-Trust (CFIT) Study Tour took place in Windhoek from 29 to 31 May 2018. The CFIT project has nine other African countries that take part and work under this project that came to learn best practices from Namibia. These countries are namely, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Uganda, Togo and United Republic of Tanzania. The Tour was opened, on 29 May, by Dr Jean-Pierre Ilboudo, UNESCO Representative to Namibia, followed by Dr Hertha Pomuti, Director of the National Institute for Educational Development, on behalf of Hon. Katina Hanse-Himarwa, the Minister of Education, Arts and Culture. Both speakers emphasized how important the Tour is for all CFIT countries in Africa but especially for Namibia. Noting that sharing of best practices and working together is the best way of improving our actions and our desired results. The Tour also brought the participants to the University of Namibia (UNAM) where Dr Villet, Dean of the Faculty of Education, welcomed them. They were briefed on the results achieved by the University under the project and also were exposed to the functioning of KOPANO, the Educational Forum developed under the project, that fosters the quality of education in the country. The platform is an inter-institutional online community of Namibian education stakeholders that serves as a support system, as well as a hub for educational innovation, inspiration and new ideas. Its main objective is to facilitate discussions and communication amongst education stakeholders. Dr. Villet explained that the members of the Kopano Education Forum include school teachers, regional directorate and ministry of education officials, higher education and open and distance education institutions, and non-governmental organizations. A courtesy visit was made to the Chinese Embassy where the Charge d’Affairs welcomed the team that presented the different achievements of the project funded by the Chinese government. Participants expressed the importance of this Tour, supporting them to improve the impact of the project in their own countries as well as to build and strengthen working ties between the different countries that work under the same project, stating that the CFIT project continues to reap the benefits of the common efforts.
UNESCO Windhoek Office Newsletter, Issue 31
Delegates participating in the CFIT Study Tour meet with the Charge d’Affairs at the Chinese Embassy The CFIT project organizes regular Study Tours for CFIT countries to learn from the experience of the host country – previous tours were organized in Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, and China. This year, in Namibia, the different national project officers, and 3 representatives from each of the CFIT countries, including those from the Ministries and targeted Teacher Training Institutions, went through a very rich programme of activities, including a site visit to one of the Namibia CFIT pilot schools in Dordabis, to be exposed to real teaching practices where ICT equipment, handed over by UNESCO, was used to improve the learning outcomes and to better engage the learners on the different subjects. The UNESCO-CFIT project is a flagship project on enhancing quality teacher training in Africa. The project aims at using ICT – Information and Communications Technology, including computers, internet, mobile devices – to support the target countries to enhance their teacher training institutions. Namibia is currently implementing the phase II of the project with outstanding results, which in turn led to the study tour being organized to for other countries to come and learn from Namibia’s good examples. Someof theses examples include s etting up an online learning community, Kopano Learning Forum, or in conducting action research at primary and pre-primary schools, allowing all CFIT countries to share their experiences and facilitate peer learning as well as to enhance the visibility of CFIT activities.
Children attending a class during CFIT school visit
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COMMEMORATION OF MENSTRUAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE DAY IN OMAHEKE REGION HIV/AIDS EDUCATION
Primamry School performing a drama on the way menstruation should be handled in schools all across the country. This drama was followed by a traditional dance from Mokganedi Tlhabanello High School that showcased the cultural experiences a young girl goes through when she is menstruating. Also speaking at the event was Ms. Dennia Gayle who spoke on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator said people should not feel uneasy or embarrassed when talking about menstruation. “Talking about menstruation should not make people feel uneasy, or embarrassed. The menstrual health and hygiene day, therefore, helps to break the silence that shrouds the topic, and helps to build awareness that this is a normal, major stage of puberty in girls,” she noted. Students in Omaheke Region march for Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day
Ms. Gayle added that when people talk freely and positively about
Menstrual Hygiene Day was celebrated in Gobabis in the
menstruation, and when policies and facilities are in place for
Omaheke Region, on 28 May 2018, at Drimiopsis Primary
menstrual health and hygiene management, girls will be empow-
School. The celebration was organised by the Ministry of
ered to know that there are no limits to their daily activities and
Health and Social Services and the Ministry of Education,
lives during menstruation.
Arts and Culture alongside the United Nations in Namibia. Menstrual Hygiene Day is an annual awareness day on May
Delivering the keynote address was Ms. Petronella Mosabane the
28 to highlight the importance of good menstrual hygiene
Acting Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Health and Social
management. It was initiated by the German-based NGO
Services, informed that the government of Namibia is committed
WASH United in 2014 and aims to benefit women and girls
to ensuring the successful implementation of the school health
worldwide.
programme across Namibia saying, “I would love to see the activities of this programme today continue for the betterment of school
Speaking on behalf of the Governor of Omaheke, the Special
life and communities at large.
Advisor to the Governor noted that Omaheke was one of the first regions to implement the School Heath Programme with the help
The ceremony ended with a handover of sanitary pads that had
of the WHO guidelines on Health and Hygiene. He stated with
been collected by AfriYaan in collaboration with the UN in Namib-
pride that many of the school in the region had received their
ia. The rest of the week (29 to 1 June) was a week of campaign at
Bronze, Silver or Gold grading for Health. He noted that the WASH
schools all across the Omaheke region, where awareness was
Initiative has also been implemented in the region with more and
raised through games and quizzes with the students at 10 schools.
more girls being provided with pads and attending school more
The schools also received donations of pads and soap to make
regularly as a result.
the lives of their students easier.
Ms. Shunga Tryphina, Head Girl of Mokganedi Tlhabanello High School spoke at the commemoration stating that girls acknowledge the need for education but menstruation hinders some girls from going to school. She noted that, due to restrictions like cultural norms, social myths and beliefs some girls go days without bathing as it is believed you cannot use the same bathroom as others or shouldn’t bath when menstruating. “Being poor is not easy people end up using unhealthy materials such as mattresses, sponges, newspapers and cloths. Even if you do receive the pads but do not have soap to bath or have one underwear it continues to be difficult to stay healthy and hygienic,” she said. As she concluded she mentioned the need for more menstrual health seminars to take place to assist young learners to practice better health management practices. The celebrations in Gobabis saw students from Drimiopsis Invited guests donate pads to Makganedi Tlhabanello High School
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INVITEE OF THE MONTH: DR. CHARLES SAGOE-MOSES, WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) REPRESENTATIVE TO NAMIBIA • articulating ethical and evidence-based policy options; • providing technical support, catalysing change, and building sustainable institutional capacity; and • monitoring the health situation and assessing health trends In Namibia WHO: Works in partnership with other UN Agencies in the areas of health system strengthening, maternal, adolescent and child health, nutrition, prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases. WHO aims to strengthen its leadership role in public health by coordinating health interventions through the Health Development Partners Forum where donors, bilaterals and UN agencies meet to share their support to the country on difference aspects of health. It further aims to support the Ministry leading role by establishing mechanisms to coordinate donor support the Ministerial strategic plan World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Namibia Dr Charles Sagoe-Moses
4. What are some of the key success stories of WHO in Namibia thus far?
1. Thank you for agreeing to be our invitee of the month. As the, WHO Representative to Namibia, what are the core policies and strategies that govern the organizations’ activities?
WHO: • Contributed significantly to the establishment of the medical school at the University of Namibia • Provided support for the introduction of Primary Health Care in the Country ensuring that all access quality health care at the lowest level of society • contributed significantly to the country’s achievement of a polio free status since 2006 and is continuously supporting the country in maintaining this status • Contributed significantly to health systems strengthening especially in the area of maternal and child health through the programme of accelerating the reduction of maternal and child mortality with support from the EU. Increased coverage of routine immunization for prevention and reduction of vaccine preventable diseases. Immunity gap for measles was reduced with fewer cases reported from 56 in 2015 to 3 in 2017 • Supported the country to contain and respond timeously to health outbreaks such as the recent HEV outbreak, Crimean Congo Haemorragic Fever, Cholera and Malaria • With WHO support, Namibia experienced a 98 percent decrease in reported malaria cases between 2001 and 2011 from 735,510 to 14,409. During the same period, malaria deaths decreased by 98 percent from 1,747 to 36 – far surpassing the country’s national targets. • Contributed to the reduction of HIV prevalence rate amongst pregnant women from its peak at 22% in 2002 to 17.5% in 2016.
WHO remains committed to the principles as set out in the pre-amble of its constitution and these include: • Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. • The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition. This has been WHO’s guiding vision for more than seven decades and is the impetus behind the current organization-wide drive to support member states in moving towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC). 2. Can you briefly describe your Organizations’ cooperation strategy with the Government of the Republic of Namibia? WHO’s work in Namibia is guided by the Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS). CCS is a medium-term vision for WHO’s technical cooperation with Namibia. It aims to support the country's national health policy and priorities. The current CCS II which is just concluding, focuses on four priority areas: • Strategic Priority 1: Strengthening the Health System • Strategic Priority 2: Combating Priority Diseases • Strategic Priority 3: Improving Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health • Strategic Priority 4: Promoting a Safer and Healthier Environment As WHO we are now in the process of drafting the third generation of the CCS which is aligned to NDP5, The National Multi-Sectoral Health Strategic Plan and the UNPAF. The CCS III will also be aligned to the WHO Global Programme of Work 13 (GPW13), which was approved at the recently concluded World Health Assembly. 3. Being part of the UN family, what are the comparative advantages of WHO and how do you complement other Agencies’ efforts? WHO is the directing and coordinating authority on international health within the United Nations’ system. Generally this is done by: • providing leadership on matters critical to health and engaging in partnerships where joint action is needed; • shaping the research agenda and stimulating the generation, translation and dissemination of valuable knowledge; • setting norms and standards and promoting and monitoring their implementation;
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UN briefing Minister on UN support towards the Hepatitis E outbreak response 5. What are some of the pressing issues for WHO in Namibia? For the next five years, WHO Namibia will prioritize its operation under three main global health priorities in line with the GPW13. The focus will be on ensuring universal health coverage for all,
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INVITEE OF THE MONTH: DR. CHARLES SAGOE-MOSES one. Do you think Namibia is on the right track to achieving this goal of being a healthy nation?
Dr Charles Sagoe-Moses visits at ICU in Ongwediva Medipark Ohangwena Region strengthening the core competencies for health emergency preparedness and response as well as addressing social and economic determinants of health. Some of key health challenges that the country office will address will include: • The high burden of communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria • Increasing prevalence of Non- communicable diseases and associated risk factors • High Maternal and Child sickness and deaths 6. Following the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, can you tell us how they have impacted/will impact on your work in Namibia? 7. Which of the 17 SDG’s is/are your Organization prioritizing in Namibia and why? The SDGs mark the beginnings of a new era in global development. The 2030 agenda for sustainable development, signed by all heads of state in September 2015, aspires for a world in which the core of the agenda – people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership – are at the forefront of all economic, social and environmental objectives. The SDGs are unprecedented and significant and are about leaving no one behind. They have a strong focus on equity, addressing the needs of disadvantaged populations wherever they may live. This is in line with WHO founding principles of provision of health for all. Although, SDG 3: Promote healthy lives and wellbeing at all ages for all, will guide the work of the organization. Addressing health in all goals is a priority and WHO is drawing on the 2030 SDG action framework and opportunities for inter-sectoral collaboration. This is influenced by these ethos: • Indivisibility of SDG targets calls for working across sectors to address health-related targets across all 17 goals • Achieving the Health Goal (SDG 3) equitably requires applying both ‘Universal Health Coverage’ and ‘Health in all policies’ public health strategies. Both require collaboration across different sectors for ensuring appropriate health service design and addressing determinants of health. • Health needs to be systematically considered in all policies for sustainably improving health and moving towards UHC, but particularly health equity. • Non-health resources can improve health and their own goals when making "health in all policies" choices. • Trade-offs of interests will need to be made transparent with respect to health interests of people. 8. To create a healthy nation, Namibia needs a national healthcare system that is easily available and affordable even to the low-income groups where benefits extend generally more comprehensively; not only from a curative perspective but also a preventative
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Namibia is one of the most unequal society in the world and this inequality in income levels and quality of life presents many challenges to the health care system. According to a UN estimate, Namibia had 265 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015 with a consistent downward trend from 390 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2005. Even though the UN estimate showed declining trend, the progress was not sufficient to achieve the MDG5 goal of 3/4th reduction in maternal mortality. Even though access to services is high, the quality of obstetric and neonatal care services is not optimal and there are disparities in geographic access to essential care. Shortages of obstetric and newborn care staff and skills gaps were also observed. Similarly there has been a steady decline in childhood mortality over the year but not sufficient to achieve the MDG4 targets. Between 2006/7 and 2013, IMR reduced from 46 to 39 deaths per 1,000 live births and U5MR reduced from 69 to 54 deaths per 1,000 live births. Neonatal mortality is high, with 20 deaths per 1,000 live births and accounting for 35 percent of under 5 mortality. The government commitment to improving maternal and child health is steadfast and WHO Namibia will continue to provide high quality technical support. Namibia must be commended in striving to make health care affordable to the most vulnerable and for bringing health care closer to the people. The country can be commented for making a significant progress in reducing the burden of tuberculosis (TB). This has been demonstrated by a consistent decline in the number of TB cases, and the maintaining of a treatment success rate of close to around 86% over the past few years. Namibia has also made remarkable progress during the last two decades and malaria morbidity and mortality declined by over 97% since 2000 although the country continue to experience seasonal malaria outbreaks. The implementation of PMTC programme has resulted in a reduction in the transmission of HIV from mothers to newborns and access to Anti Retro Virals (ARV) for all people living with HIV increased from 52 percent in 2013 up to 64 percent in 2016 Although there are challenges in ensuring health for all in the country there significant achievement and a lot of goodwill to strength the healthcare system to make it more equitable to all. 9. The World Health Organization is the directing and coordinating authority on international health within the United Nations system. The objective of WHO is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. Health, as defined in the WHO Constitution, is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. a. The Harambee Prosperity Plan calls for a unified Namibia where no citizen feels left out. What are some of the challenges Namibia faces in terms of health care provision in the rural and
WHO Representaive touring the Opuwo maternity ward
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INVITEE OF THE MONTH: DR. CHARLES SAGOE-MOSES 13. For every successful tall tree there is a beginning. Can you tell us a bit about your professional career and how you ended up in this position? To us you are known as the WHO Representative to Namibia. Before I joined /AFRO in 2002, I worked in the Ministry of Health in Ghana for 14 years – at various levels including the District, Provincial/Regional, Headquarters and the Teaching Hospital levels. In WHO/AFRO I worked as the Medical Officer for Infant and Young Child Nutrition and later the Acting Programme Area Coordinator for Nutrition and Food Safety, then I became the Acting Representative for Eritrea and then the Representative in The Gambia.
Dr. Sagoe-Moses in the lab at the Namibia Blood Transfusion Services areas? The vast and sparsely populated nature of the country makes geographic access to health care services a challenge. The implementation of the community health workers programme is a key milestone in bridging the gap between rural communities and the health care system. This cadre of health worker providers provides basic health care and promotion and is a critical link between health facilities and communities at large. The programme currently implemented in all 14 regions of the country continues to be a priority for the government b. What steps is WHO taking to combat priority diseases and promoting a safer and healthier environment for Namibia? WHO continues to provide technical and normative guidance to the Ministry of Health to combat priority diseases. 11. In 2015 the President of the Republic of Namibia declared war on poverty and called upon all development partners to help his government win this fight. What is WHO doing to contribute to poverty eradication within the context of its mandate? Good health leads to wealth. WHO has prioritized social determinants of health in its next Country Co-operation Strategy and aims to work across sectors to influence policies of other sectors to have a positive outcome of the health of the population. 12. During your stay in the Gambia in October of 2015/6 the then UN Resident Coordinator made strong statements against the government and risked being thrown out of the country on issues of democracy and press freedom, please share with us about your stay in the Gambia at this time and your experiences during this trying time. I was in The Gambia from 2013-2017 and each day during this period was a unique experience. Very few international NGOs were in the country then so the UN became a critical provider of financial and technical support to the Government, however decision making was almost entirely centralized in the Office of the President. The President had the final say on any important decision. Working under those conditions required a lot of patience and wisdom and more importantly focusing on the people/population who needed support you were providing. My most difficult period was December 2016 to January 2017 when the then President lost the Presidential elections and refused to hand over power. The country was on the brink of a war and the UN had been targeted by the Government because the UN facilitated a free and fair election. The UNCT received good advice and support from the Special Representative of the Secretary General SRSG for West Africa/ Sahel Region, and Agency Headquarters.
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a) But please tell us who Mr. Charles Sagoe-Moses is besides the title of leadership she holds? I am a practicing Christian and I like to work with children b) What are your hobbies? My hobbies are walking/jogging and reading 14. What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume alone? I have two grown up children and a very supportive wife. 15. How do you deal with challenges and balancing between your demanding work and your family? I try to stay in touch regularly with my family through social media-(WhatsApp etc), and balance the stresses of work with physically activities through sports 16. Tell us about your parents and siblings. Did they have any influence on the person you are today? And who inspired you most in life? My father passed on when I was 6 years old and my mother is 89 years now. I am the second of 4 children. I have an older sister and two younger brothers. My mother taught me about hardwork, perseverance and patience. 17. We have come to the end of our interview, thank you for sharing your time with us. However, before we say goodbye, what advice, quote or words of inspiration would you like to share with our readers? “You get better by helping to make others better”
Dr Charles Sagoe-Moses and Mr Shapumba with traditional Chiefs from the Himba Community in Opuwo Kunene Region
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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH
Celebration of the Omagongo Cultural Festival
Cultural perfomance at the Omagongo Cultural Festival
His Excellency Dr Sam Nujoma, Founding President of the Republic of Namibia and Patron of the Omagongo Festival
Marula fruits basking in the sun
Namibian women carry beverages made from the Marula fruit
Partial view of invited guests at the Marula Fruit Festival
Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Hon. Dr Peya Mushelenga (right) enjoying the celebrations
Cultural groups examining a Marula Fruit Tree
Next year’s host, King of Ongandjera Traditional Authority, Johannes Mupongolitha Tweuthigilwa yaJafet Mupia, during the Celebration
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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH
Participants of CFIT Study Tour during a site-visit at UNAM where the Kopano Platform is presented
Participants of the CFIT Study Tour engage in Group Work about the sustainability of the project
Participants posing questions to the panel during the GEM Report 2017/18
Discussion of panelists at the Launch of the GEM Report 2017/18
Uisel Ndjavera Primary School receives a donation of pads and soaps for their school during Menstrual Health and Hygiene Campaign
Students from Drimiopsis Primary School perform a drama on the importance of Menstrual Health and Hygiene
Director of Publications: Dr. Jean Pierre Ilboudo Chief Editor: Caroline Nkuziwalela Editors: Natalia Garcia, Dickson Kasote, Stefanie Weniger, Caroline Nkuziwalela, Tolerence Hanse
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