A Deadly Mix: Poverty and Desperation

In Namibia today, many young women, due to the vagaries of poverty, and a basic violation of their human rights, are forced to make the implicit exchange of sex for money or other material support. These concepts have become such predominant facets of Namibian society that the term “sugar daddy” has become commonplace.

Later in life, such an unequal partnership, with unequal power imbalances, and the false belief that because the man supported the (often) younger woman, that he then “controls” or “owns” her. This misconception on behalf of the man, is false. Of course, no one can own anyone else. Too often, this illusion on the part of the man, results in a “passion killing.” A “passion killing” is the murder of a woman a man has supported. He can’t accept that the woman took his support, and then later broke up with him.

This trend in Namibian society must change. What can be done to reverse the trend of “sugar daddies” and “passion killings”? Change must occur on a number of levels in order to keep our young women and girls safe; these inclde policy measures, local organization, engagement and entrepreneurship to combat poverty, economic development to shore up the economy, and providing more jobs for Namibians. Addressing this issue must occur at the all levels: national and local, as well as at the very personal, individual level – teaching young women to respect and protect themselves, and teaching young men to respect both themselves and the women in their lives. We must educate the young women and men about these issues and to advocate for their own futures. Youth must be educated such that they understand and grasp the importance of education. They must take control of their education, career and training, and thereby of their lives and futures. They also need to understand the inherent dangers of becoming involved with “sugar daddies” and the related and serious risks of “passion killings.”

At least from my personal and cultural perspective, freedom, agency and independence are among the most important aspects of life. Young women must fully comprehend that they are compromising their future and independence, freedom and control over their own lives when they become dependent on others. Education, on the other hand, improves young people’s prospects for a brighter future, better jobs, and a pathway out of poverty.

Poverty is at the root of most global social problems. Our national and global leaders must work together to reduce poverty and increase security and opportunities. But their responsibility does not alleviate us, the citizens, from our obligation to strive for greater opportunities and security for all.

These steps, taken at the local and individual levels as well as at the national and global levels, will need to work together in concert to reduce the problems of “sugar daddies” and “passion killings.” These issues should be replaced with respect, dignity and the preservation of basic human rights for all Namibians, and all people everywhere.