H.E. Mrs Doreen Nampiye Sioka, the Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare. Namibia continues to cement its stat...
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| H.E. Mrs Doreen Nampiye Sioka, the Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare. |
Namibia is a leader in gender equality.
This ranking demonstrates the strides Namibia has made in promoting gender parity, particularly in leadership roles within the financial sector and public institutions. The country’s success in this domain is not just a testament to the country's employment policies but also to the progressive and inclusive ethos that permeates its institutions and society at large.
Gender Balance in Leadership
Namibia's commitment to gender equality is evident in its high ranking on the OMFIF Gender Balance Index, reflecting strong female representation in leadership roles across various sectors. Nearly 50% of Namibia's Members of Parliament are women, showcasing the country's dedication to gender parity in decision-making. Women also make up 56% of the workforce in the banking sector and 38% in government institutions. In other private sectors, women represent only 19% of the workforce, highlighting an area for further progress.
Many women around the world still lack basic human rights and face discrimination and gender-based violence. The world’s parliaments are no exception. Most parliaments remain male-dominated, and women MPs are often under-represented in decision-making bodies. Overall, Namibia stands out as a leader in promoting gender equality on both global and African stages.
Namibia is one of only three African countries ranked in the top 10 for the overall AGI score. The country has achieved a notable 79.67% gender equality, translating to an AGI score of 0.797 out of 1, where a score of 1 represents perfect parity between men and women.
In December 2018, Namibia received the African Gender Award from the ‘Gender is My Agenda Campaign’ (Gimac) steering committee. This accolade particularly highlighted Namibia’s promotion of women’s representation in key decision-making positions, evidenced by the fact that women constitute 46% of the national parliament.
The introduction of the ‘zebra list’ policy, aiming for 50/50 representation in government and politics, aligns with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Gender and Development. This innovative approach has been instrumental in enhancing women’s representation in leadership roles across the country.
A Reflection of Progressive Values
Namibia’s recognition of the Gender Balance Index is not just about numbers; it is about the values that drive the nation. The ranking reflects an institutional, sectoral, and national commitment to fostering a progressive, inclusive, and diverse society. Namibia’s achievement is the result of concerted efforts to implement policies that promote gender equality, support women’s advancement, and challenge traditional gender roles.
This commitment is also reflective of a broader understanding that gender equality is not just a moral imperative but a catalyst for social and economic development. By ensuring that women have equal opportunities to lead and make decisions, Namibia is building a more resilient and dynamic society.