Ministry of Gender plans for the future

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare is hosting its annual week-long work planning meeting for 2012. The meeting ends this Friday.
Speaking at the official opening of the meeting in the capital on Monday, the Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Doreen Sioka said in its quest to ensure the well being of all children, the Ministry has during the preceding year continued to put children in need of care on the government grant system.
“The number of children receiving social welfare grants until September 2011 is 130 953 and are on the grant system of the ministry. Therefore the achievement of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare cannot be over emphasised,” said Sioka.
According to the minister, during the 2010/ 2011 financial year, the ministry supported a number of income generating projects in the form of material support and training in basic skills and financial management.
“The Ministry provides material support and training for integrated early childhood development. This shows the commitment of government to the development of all Namibian children. During the year under review, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child welfare will be engaged in a decentralisation process. It is good to note that by April next year, some functions of the Ministry will be decentralised to regional councils,” she said.
The Minister added that her Ministry has also been active in promoting issues of gender equality through gender sensitisation workshops and community meetings.
“The fight against gender-based violence should not be left to the government alone, but the NGOs, traditional leaders and Church leaders must join efforts in the fight against gender violence,” she said.
The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare was established with a mandate to ensure gender equality and equitable socio-economic development of women, men and children.