SNAPSHOT I n 2013, the Republic of Namibia made history when it became the first African country to be ranked within the top 20 of Reporters Without Borders’ Press Freedom Index. The number 19 spot reminded us of our contribution to development and adoption of the Windhoek Declaration by African journalists in 1991 and the United Nations’ subsequent declaration that, each year, 3 May be commemorated as World Press Freedom Day. But this is not an excuse to be complacent. Namibia may rate highly on various international democracy indicators, but a lot of work needs to be done to develop and mobilise a critical mass of critically thinking, politically active citizens. An independent, analytical and pluralistic media sector is pivotal for this is to be achieved. To do this, MISA Namibia works with a range of partners in government, civil society and the private sector. ACTION Namibia, a coalition with the Institute of Public Policy and Research and Insight Namibia magazine, advocates for access to information to be a priority on the policy and legislative agenda, also as part of government’s commitment to eradi- NAMIBIA cate corruption. The coalition calls for the principles outlined in the African Platform on Access to Information (APAI) Declaration to be domesticated in Namibia and for the repeal of apartheid-era laws such as the Protection of Information Act 1982. ACTION Namibia further calls for the promotion of regional and international best practice with regard to access to information. In November 2013, MISA Namibia established the Youth Media Action Group (YMAG), after a THINK B4 U LOL Youth Retreat, with a focus on genderbased violence and the media, through the support of the National Commission for UNESCO and Save the Children International. MISA Namibia is also a partner in the regional Children and the Media Project, which aims to use media produced by children as an advocacy tool to trigger discussion, raise awareness on children’s issues and rights, and influence the way in which the media portray and report on children. As a member of the Namibia 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence Coalition, MISA Namibia implemented a successful campaign in 2013, and since February formed part of the Namibia Orange Day Coalition, which stages events to raise awareness on GBV on the 25th of every month. MISA Namibia National Director, Natasha Tibinyane with the particpants and facilitators of the Think Before You LOL Weekend of Action Against Gender Based Violence. Photo: MISA Namibia images, 2013. 39