Equality not for all As a large country with a low population density and a progressive constitution, Namibia could be the perfect petri dish for an experiment in equality. Thirty-one years ago, the country gained independence based on the notion of racial and economic equality. As we enter the fourth decade of our independence, front page headlines reflect the sad reality that despite the hard-won fight for freedom, there is still much oppression that threatens peace in this country. Poverty is rife, and despite this many Namibians live in astounding ignorance of the daily struggles of hundreds of thousands of Namibians, even though they are often their employers, whether in domestic, farm or service settings. Then there is the casual cruelty against Namibians who are part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer communities. Their fight to be treated and protected equally has continued to hit one brick wall after another. Women and their bodies are policed, despite the harm that this poses to them when they are forced to obtain back-alley abortions. Although many Namibians often loudly proclaim that children and family and life matter, at the same time they are willing to set aside this ethos when their self-righteousness is triggered. Judgement for another human being's private struggles dims any chance for compassion and learning or understanding. Violence against women and children has become so entrenched their stories rarely hit the headlines anymore.Thirty-one years ago Namibia celebrated a hard-won victory over its oppressors.
Thirty-one years later many Namibians continue to fight for their equality and dignity over their oppressors whether it is freedom from poverty, abuse, self-determination or who they want to love and have a family with.