Minister wants contraceptives for schoolgirls

Namibia’s Education Minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa has proposed the compulsory distribution of contraceptives for female learners in order to prevent escalating teenage pregnancies. The New Era reports that she was addressing the National Gender Advisory Committee. ‘I know this (proposal) is a controversial one, and I will get a lot opposition and pressure from parents and churches. However, the problem is with us and sometimes we need to take unpopular decisions,’ she said. Hanse-Himarwa suggested that public hearings be held to gather input from parents, learners, the church and other stakeholders.