Reproductive health issues discussed

The Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN) is in the process of formulating a national framework  for the promotion of gender equality and sexual reproductive health for member churches and faith- based organisations.
As part of efforts to accelerate the drafting of the national framework, traditional leaders, youth, church leaders and representatives from women organisations, the National Planning Commission, Ministry of Health and Social Services and Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, this week met in Windhoek to validate and agree on the content of the document at a workshop.
The national framework, which is spearheaded by the CCN, aims to encourage stronger partnerships between CCN member churches and faith based organisations in order to ensure that there is an appropriate interface of a comprehensive national gender equality and sexual reproductive and rights response and coordination at both national and regional level.
According to Regis Mtutu, consultant of the project, the national framework will further seek to strengthen the capacity of CCN member churches and key partners to work with relevant United Nations agencies and government departments as well as stakeholders amongst others.
Consultative meetings were also held in the regions in order to engage in dialogue with all key partners and ensure that all relevant stakeholders have participated.
Formulation of the three year National Framework Strategy for 2012 to 2015 is funded by United Nations Population Fund and is intended complement the existing policies.