In November, Namibians will head to the polls for the eighth time in the country’s democratic history. This is a time for reflection, a time to assess the actions of our leaders and the promises being made by those vying for our votes.
But, time and time again, election years become a fertile breeding ground for opportunistic politicians and public figures. Those contesting for political positions try to find something to give them the edge with the public. For opposition candidates, this often relates to critiquing the action (or inaction) of the ruling party. These critiques may be valid and necessary, but they are rarely accompanied by concrete alternative approaches.
Another tactic is shifting the focus to a social crisis, often something of national importance. Our shared values are a popular choice, for good reason. This country’s independence was based on values like equality and freedom of expression. For many Namibians, these were values worth dying for. Thirty-four years later, these are still the values we all hold. We all value the freedom to live meaningful lives, and to ensure that discrimination does not run rampant in our country again. We value our right to be included in Namibia’s progress, our right to be treated as equal citizens, and our duty to protect the vulnerable from harm.
These values run throughout the Namibian Constitution, but unfortunately they don’t always represent our lived experiences. Looking through any Namibian newspaper, or following online discourse on social media, highlights problems that have become all too familiar: gender-based violence, a mental health crisis among youth, unemployment, corruption, teenage pregnancy, overburdened healthcare and education systems – the list is seemingly endless.
What these problems have in common, however, is that solving them requires us to re-prioritise the values we espouse: freedom, equality, non-discrimination, inclusion, and protecting our most vulnerable. These problems also apply to all Namibians, regardless of race, gender, class – or sexual orientation.
For people in the LGBTQIA+ community, exclusion shows up in many different places. It may look like being turned away from or being embarrassed at public health facilities so much that you don’t feel safe accessing healthcare. It may look like missing out on work opportunities and the ability to provide for yourself and your loved ones. It may look like being unable to safely report abuse to the police, and having to suffer in silence.
Accepting or encouraging mass discrimination does not line up with the values we all share. When politicians encourage intolerance and discriminatory practices, it begs the question: what do we, as Namibians, truly believe? What are our non-negotiable values, and how will we respond to leaders who do not respect them?
In short, what does it mean to be a Namibian? Are we a nation of people committed to never repeat the discrimination of our past, or a nation of people distracted by those who aim to divide us? It’s time to make a choice.
Image credit: Photo by Katie Moum on Unsplash
In the run-up to the November elections, Sister Namibia will be exploring the various ways that the backlash against the LGBTQIA+ community intersects with the political process. Join the conversation on Instagram, @sister_namibia
