First Lady, UNFPA celebrate International Women's Day with female inmates

The event officiated by the First Lady of the Republic of Namibia (Madam Monica Geingos, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Office was organised to promote inclusivity and recognise and uplift female inmates.

“We mustn’t forget each other. We must always shine a spotlight on those we tend to forget,” said the First Lady.

“Gender inequality knows no boundaries. It is an issue that affects women in all areas of their lives, including in the criminal justice system. On this International Women’s Day, let us emphasise the unique challenges women in prison face, too often overlooked,” she stated.

In her remarks, Loide Amkongo, UNFPA Namibia Assistant Representative praised the Namibia Correctional Services for organising the event and, more importantly, for establishing a conducive environment for female offenders to learn skills and adopt new coping mechanisms while still receiving basic needs.

“The transformation of the inmates begins with proper rehabilitation,” she emphasised.

The theme for this year's International Women's Day, ‘DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality,’ draws attention to the transformative potential of technology in advancing women's rights, empowering women and girls, and fostering a more just society.

Amkongo reminded inmates, "While you may feel you are in a confined environment, it is important to understand that you remain valuable members of our society and that your perspectives on many issues, such as the topic of innovation and technology for gender equality that is being discussed today, are important.

Technology, according to Amkongo, has the potential to change the world and make it more equitable for everyone, including women. However, it is frequently abused against women and girls as a means of oppression and violence.

"Women can now work remotely and access education online, for example, thanks to the growing use of technology," she said. On the other hand, she said, "About 85% of women worldwide have either personally experienced or witnessed digital violence against other women, with 57% of those experiencing abuse or misuse of their online videos or images.”

She urged everyone to keep advancing gender equality, combating negative gender stereotypes and norms, and empowering women in all facets of their lives.

Inmates gave performances at the event as well, including dancing, singing, and a mother reading a heartfelt letter from her son.

In response to one of the major challenges women face in prison—a lack of access to childcare—the Office of the First Lady and UNFPA provided the 130 female inmates with hygiene kits and eight baby bags.

To assist female inmates in maintaining their health and dignity, the hygiene bags for women were stocked with items like shampoo, conditioner, vaseline, soap, sanitary pads, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and body lotion. The baby bags contained a blanket, clothes, and diapers.