Maria David
MINISTER of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare, Doreen Sioka, has announced that Namibia has made notable progress in addressing gender inequalities, achieving an 80.5% gender gap closure. This ranks the country 8th globally and 1st in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2024.
Sioka made these remarks during the Commemoration of International Human Rights Day, Namibia Women’s Day, the closing of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, and the launch of the Social Protection Programmes Booklet on Tuesday at Outapi in the Omusati Region.
According to Sioka, this achievement was made possible through strides in education (100%), economic participation and opportunity (78%), political empowerment (45%), and health (98%), supported by the implementation of the National Gender Policy.
She added that the government, along with stakeholders, continues to implement laws, policies, and programmes, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, the Namibian Constitution, and other significant legislative acts and initiatives.
“Despite this tremendous achievement, challenges persist, including high incidences of gender-based violence, violence against children, and trafficking in persons; harmful practices such as child marriages; the feminization of poverty; economic disparities limiting women’s access to essential services; restricted access to and ownership of land for women; systemic gender inequalities; barriers faced by persons with disabilities; and the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and marginalized communities,” she said.
She then called on Namibians to strengthen the implementation of laws and policies promoting equitable access to resources, strengthen awareness-raising strategies to mobilize public support for initiatives aimed at reducing gender inequality, support grassroots movements empowering marginalized groups, and strengthen mechanisms for tracking progress towards reducing inequalities.
Sioka emphasized that International Human Rights Day serves not only as a celebration of achievements but also as a call to action against ongoing injustices related to inequality.
“Together, we can build a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, where everyone’s voice is heard, and where everyone’s rights are respected,” she added.
She urged Namibians to embrace their collective voice and shared humanity to create a future where “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now” becomes a reality for all.
During the same event, Sioka launched the Social Protection Programmes Booklet. This booklet outlines the country’s social assistance and social insurance programmes in a clear and accessible format, detailing eligibility criteria, application procedures, registration periods, required documents, benefits or services provided, and the implementing institutions.
“The booklet embodies a shared vision of uplifting the vulnerable and creating a society where information is power, and access is equitable,” Sioka concluded.
