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THE Office of the First Lady’s campaign, #BreakFree from Violence, on Friday launched Arts for Activism Against Gender-based Violence (GBV) and Femicide, kicking off this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against GBV campaign.

This year’s theme for Namibia is ‘Namibia, Unite Activism to End Gender-Based Violence, Femicide and Violence Against Women and Children’.

“In 2021, we had our arts show at Droombos, and those who attended can attest, it was very impactful. Art is a great tool to facilitate healing,” social worker Veronica Theron said at the event.

“I can assure you that if the Office of the First Lady had invited you tonight just to come and talk about gender-based violence, this place would be empty,” she said.

Some 15 young people out of 89 applicants were present to showcase their talent at the event to be considered for a prize of N$10 000, or a N$30 000 grand prize.

Artworks were divided into three categories: performance arts, visual arts, and fashion design.

Present at the event were the parents, family and friends of exhibitors, as well as young people from all walks of life.

The judges’ panel featured creatives like Senga Brockerhoff, Frieda Kalipi, Angelika Schroeder, and Ndasuunye Papa Shikongeni.

“We have now realised how much violence goes on, and it’s up to us as a nation to create a better Namibia, not only for us, but for the next generations,” said Beata Ileka, a board member of the One Economy Foundation.

Frans Uunona won in the visual arts category, Le Clue Job won in the performance art category, and Lydia Kandovazu won the fashion design category.

Job won the grand prize, bagging an additional N$20 000.