The Alliance of Christian Churches in Namibia (ACCN) has called for greater responsibility from fathers and stronger support for unmarried mothers following the release of the 2023 Population and Housing Census Fertility Report. The report revealed that more than half of Namibia's never-married women have already given birth. Executive Director of ACCN, Dolly Nengushe, stated that the findings should prompt reflection on the country's changing family structure.
According to the report, 53.4% of women who had never been married were already mothers, with the ||Kharas region recording the highest proportion at 61.6%, while Kavango West recorded the lowest at 46%. Nengushe emphasized that the church must address the root of the matter, which she believes is the breakdown of the family structure due to sexual relations outside marriage.
Nengushe argued that children born outside stable marital relationships are often raised primarily by mothers without consistent involvement from their fathers. She called on men who father children to take responsibility beyond biological fatherhood, stating that they should "show up" and be present in their children's lives. Nengushe also emphasized that unmarried mothers should not be shamed, but rather supported and strengthened.
Bishop Danny Banda, regional missions director at Victory Family Centre Southern Africa, echoed Nengushe's sentiments, stating that the census findings should not be used to condemn unmarried mothers or their children. He emphasized that every mother deserves dignity, pastoral care, and practical support, and every child is precious and deserves love, protection, identity, and opportunity.
Banda also called on men to take responsibility for their sexual choices, children, and role as fathers. According to the census report, never-married women had a total fertility rate of 3.5 children, compared with 6.7 among married women. The report states that never-married women could expect to have three children, showing that marriage is not a requirement for having children in Namibia.
The report also found that fertility among never-married women had increased from a total fertility rate of 3.1 recorded in the 2011 census. Banda suggested that churches should strengthen their work with young people, men, women, couples, and families, while also addressing social and economic factors that may contribute to delayed marriage, unstable relationships, and absent fathers.
The ACCN and other churches are advocating for a more supportive and non-judgmental approach to unmarried mothers and their children. Key stakeholders, including government and community leaders, are expected to engage in further discussions on how to address the changing family structure and promote responsible fatherhood in Namibia.
Key points
- Churches in Namibia are calling for greater responsibility from fathers and stronger support for unmarried mothers.
- The 2023 Population and Housing Census Fertility Report found that 53.4% of never-married women in Namibia have already given birth.
- The report also revealed that fertility among never-married women has increased from 3.1 in 2011 to 3.5 in 2023.
