CRAN clarifies women-only STEM job advert amid public debate
‘A deliberate and responsible effort to redress current workforce imbalances’
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has defended its decision to advertise a specialist ICT systems position exclusively for women, following criticism from labour experts and the public.
CRAN executive for communications and consumer relations, Mufaro Nesangano, said the recruitment approach was intended to foster inclusiveness, promote diversity and address gender imbalance within the workplace.
While labour experts have described the advert as potentially unconstitutional and in breach of the Labour Act, CRAN maintains that the approach “does not align with popular expectations” rather than being a legal violation.
The regulator highlighted that 80% of STEM positions across its ICT services and engineering and technical services departments are currently held by men, leaving women significantly underrepresented.
CRAN said this disparity justified a deliberate, equity-driven approach to ensure women have meaningful opportunities to shape Namibia’s digital future.
“This workforce profile highlights a significant gender imbalance, and it is precisely why we are taking a deliberate, equity-driven approach to ensure that women are afforded meaningful opportunities,” Nesangano explained.
The advertisement forms part of CRAN’s affirmative action plan 2024–2026, approved under relevant legislation to strengthen women representation in STEM roles.
Public and legal reactions
Labour experts have criticised the advert, arguing it is unconstitutional and in breach of the Labour Act.
Prominent analyst Herbert Jauch noted that while affirmative action allows preference for disadvantaged groups, job advertisements should generally remain open to all qualified applicants.
CRAN, however, maintains that the advert is a responsible measure rather than a legal issue.
“Based on the feedback on the media coverage, we have now noted that this recruitment approach, while it reflects a deliberate and responsible effort to redress current workforce imbalances (80/20), may not align with popular expectations," Nesangano said.
"We therefore value and acknowledge the feedback received from the public and our stakeholders. This input will be taken into consideration. We also trust that the public will appreciate the broader context within which CRAN advertised the position, recognising the regulatory, organisational, and strategic considerations that informed the process," he added.
Commitment to diversity and compliance
Nesangano reaffirmed CRAN’s commitment to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of Namibian society while remaining compliant with legislation.
He also acknowledged the contributions of men in STEM, describing their innovation and leadership as pivotal to the country’s technological development.
“We remain committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of our society, in a manner that is both equitable and compliant with legislation,” he said.
CRAN executive for communications and consumer relations, Mufaro Nesangano, said the recruitment approach was intended to foster inclusiveness, promote diversity and address gender imbalance within the workplace.
While labour experts have described the advert as potentially unconstitutional and in breach of the Labour Act, CRAN maintains that the approach “does not align with popular expectations” rather than being a legal violation.
The regulator highlighted that 80% of STEM positions across its ICT services and engineering and technical services departments are currently held by men, leaving women significantly underrepresented.
CRAN said this disparity justified a deliberate, equity-driven approach to ensure women have meaningful opportunities to shape Namibia’s digital future.
“This workforce profile highlights a significant gender imbalance, and it is precisely why we are taking a deliberate, equity-driven approach to ensure that women are afforded meaningful opportunities,” Nesangano explained.
The advertisement forms part of CRAN’s affirmative action plan 2024–2026, approved under relevant legislation to strengthen women representation in STEM roles.
Public and legal reactions
Labour experts have criticised the advert, arguing it is unconstitutional and in breach of the Labour Act.
Prominent analyst Herbert Jauch noted that while affirmative action allows preference for disadvantaged groups, job advertisements should generally remain open to all qualified applicants.
CRAN, however, maintains that the advert is a responsible measure rather than a legal issue.
“Based on the feedback on the media coverage, we have now noted that this recruitment approach, while it reflects a deliberate and responsible effort to redress current workforce imbalances (80/20), may not align with popular expectations," Nesangano said.
"We therefore value and acknowledge the feedback received from the public and our stakeholders. This input will be taken into consideration. We also trust that the public will appreciate the broader context within which CRAN advertised the position, recognising the regulatory, organisational, and strategic considerations that informed the process," he added.
Commitment to diversity and compliance
Nesangano reaffirmed CRAN’s commitment to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of Namibian society while remaining compliant with legislation.
He also acknowledged the contributions of men in STEM, describing their innovation and leadership as pivotal to the country’s technological development.
“We remain committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of our society, in a manner that is both equitable and compliant with legislation,” he said.
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