A Case Study On The Inluence Of English As A Medium Of Instruction On Learners Academic Performance At Ella Du Plessis Secondary School And Shikongo Iipinge Senior Secondary School.

Abstract

Gender-based violence in Namibia has escalated to an alarming rate. Persons with disabilities particularly women, are also not spared the rod. The intersection of gender and disabilities renders them double discrimination compared to men with disabilities and women without disabilities. Yet, the plight of women with disabilities with regard to gender-based violence rarely features in both preventive and remedial intervention programs.

This research sought to explore and understand the nature of vulnerabilities that women with disabilities particularly with hearing, visual and physical impairments in the Khomas region face with regard to gender-based violence. The scope entailed to explore the forms of gender-based violence that women with disabilities endure in society and in their relationships with others. In addition, the scope of the study aimed to explore the accessibility of marginalized women to gender-based violence related support services. The relationship of this vulnerable group and gender-based violence is understudied in Namibia hence there is an existent knowledge gap.

A qualitative research design underpinned by a narrative approach was adopted. The sample of the study consisted of fourteen respondents, twelve women with disabilities drawn from respective Organizations of Persons with Disabilities and two social workers from the Gender-based Violence Investigative Unit. Data were collected through semi-structured and open ended interviews.

The study found that women with disabilities are overwhelmingly abused. However, only limited incidents of such abuses are reported to the Gender-based Violence Investigative Unit. Women with disabilities are physically, socially and economically vulnerable and perpetrators of gender-based violence capitalize on women with disabilities’ vulnerabilities to commit violence and to escape prosecution. Women with disabilities are subjected to forms of violence generic to women and additional violence particular to women with disabilities. It was also discovered that structural and process barriers hinder victims with disabilities accessibility to support services and adequate service utilization. Hence, women with disabilities have no confidence in gender-based violence support services, resulting in enduring prolonged violence.

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Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that Namibian government and other stakeholders in conjunction with disability movements should introduce programs to sensitize women with disabilities about their human rights. There is also a need to incorporate or strengthen a disability component in police officers and social workers training programs to improve service providers’ understanding of disabilities.