Major strides in gender equality

Namibia has made significant progress in the area of gender equality and empowerment of women and remains committed to protecting the rights of women. However, despite the achievements made, there are still significant challenges that the country needs to address when it comes to gender equality and women’s empowerment. This is according to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who was speaking at the Global Leaders Meeting on Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women on Sunday. Listing some of the progress and achievements made in Namibia, she said the country has seen high enrolment of girls in primary and secondary school and that there has also been an increase in the enrolment ratio of girls to boys. According to Nandi-Ndaitwah there is an increase of women in wage employment in the non-agricultural sector. Furthermore, there has been a remarkable increase in women’s representation in the National Assembly from 24% in 2009 to 47% in 2015. “This increase was largely influenced by the adoption of the 50/50 gender representation policy of the governing Swapo Party. “Thanks to the Local Authority Law that has a quota for women, over 40% of local councillors are women,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah. She further said that Namibia has established a Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare to spearhead and mainstream gender issues and ensure that women and girls are given equal opportunities to achieve their full potential. Namibia signed and ratified regional and international instruments aimed at the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment. Namibia is party to the Beijing Platform for Action. At the national level Namibia passed laws such as the Married Persons’ Equality Act, the Combating of Rape Act, and Child Care and Protection Law. As a first step in the implementation of those instruments, Namibia adopted the National Gender Policy and Plan of Action. According to Nandi-Ndaitwah the Plan of Action 2010-2020 highlights two critical areas of concern. “These areas are peace-building, conflict resolution, natural disaster management; and gender equality in the family context.” In addition the country has introduced the Gender Responsive Budgeting initiative, which will form an integral part of the government’s budgeting processes. According to the Minister, despite challenges that remain the government is committed to women’s empowerment to ensure that women’s rights are protected and that women have access to services including education, health and employment opportunities. Nandi-Ndaitwah added that Namibia is committed to ensuring that women as agents of peace play their role at community, national and international levels. “Namibia commits itself to continue to sensitise our people to fully embrace the critical role women play in society,” she added. ELLANIE SMIT