The election of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as Namibia’s first female president-elect is not only historic, but cements the country’s impressive and progressive legal frameworks and policies on gender equality.
The nation deserves to celebrate Nandi-Ndaitwah’s remarkable victory as more than just a victory for one woman; it is clear recognition of Namibia and Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) efforts towards empowering women across all sectors, eradicating systemic barriers, and envisioning a better and just world.
The choice of a woman to lead Namibia is a change of perception in society, a change which questions cultural norms that have denied women the right to lead.
This much-needed shift in leadership is a step forward and a challenge for all Namibians to strive for a violence-free and equal society.
A STEP FORWARD FOR THE REGION
Namibia’s journey toward this landmark moment has been paved with significant achievements.
The East and Southern Africa Regional Gender Equality Profile (2021) ranks Namibia among the leading nations in the SADC region in advancing gender equality.
The country has implemented gender-sensitive policies, such as the National Gender Policy (2010–2020), which promotes women’s political, economic and social empowerment.
Namibia has the highest female representation in parliament, at 50%, and 41% in the executive.
This progress can be explained by gender quotas and ‘zebra’ party lists, which seek to ensure that both men and women are eligible candidates.
Likewise, Namibia has made progress in the education sector.
Gender equality in primary and secondary school enrolment is also at parity, with the girl child outperforming the boy child in some indicators.
Moreover, women are increasingly visible in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Stem), with organisations such as SADC’s Gender Unit fostering regional initiatives to bridge gender gaps in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Nevertheless, such progress must be more consistent, and many challenges remain.
The Regional Gender Equality Profile highlights persistent challenges, including gender-based violence (GBV), unequal access to economic resources, and limited representation in executive leadership positions.
In tackling these issues, Namibia’s leadership offers an opportunity to inspire collective action across the SADC region and globally.
THE IMPACT
The Namibian people’s choice of a female president is not just a symbolic act but an essential measure towards eliminating systemic barriers.
According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), women’s leadership can be a powerful force for change.
The organisation’s research shows that female-headed governments pursue more inclusive policies, improve students’ and citizens’ well-being through better educational and health systems, and foster more durable democracy.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory confirms the abilities and spirit of Namibian women.
The country’s prime minister, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, set the stage and, through her leadership, demonstrated why and how inclusive governance is important.
With a woman president, the country is now in a perfect place to set the standard on what policies should be passed to lessen the gender gap, promote unity in diversity, and help the vulnerable as the leadership embarks on a sustainable development path.
A VISION FOR NAMIBIA
As the president-elect assumes office on 21 March, there are numerous opportunities for change.
However, sustainable change depends on citizens’ collective efforts regardless of political convictions or orientations.
Pointedly, an all-hands-on deck approach will ensure that we provide maximum support to achieve national development plans.
Gender equality is not a women’s issue in its entirety or in part; it is a development issue requiring everyone’s input.
Perhaps the most critical issue is GBV, which has resisted progress in Namibia and SADC.
The 2019 Namibia Demographic and Health Survey reveals that 30.1% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical or sexual violence.
Ending GBV requires strong policy implementation, more resources for supportive systems for survivors, and educational transformation that targets harmful gender norms.
Another crucial area is the economic empowerment of women and the youth.
Despite improvement in gender equality in education, Namibian women are still underrepresented in the labour market and are more often employed in informal and low-paid jobs.
The president-elect can support childcare subsidies, gender pay gap policies, employment initiatives for youth, and capital for women entrepreneurs.
These policies help women and boost the economy, a bonus for society.
The leadership should take specific measures in rural areas where gender gaps are often more evident.
Improved access to healthcare, including family planning, can play an important role in enhancing women’s status and freedom.
Furthermore, the development of rural areas in the areas of education and infrastructure will help reduce the gap between urban and rural areas and, in turn, will not allow a woman or a girl to be left behind.
THE ROLE OF MEN
Men need to support gender equality initiatives.
I have always maintained that men’s enlightenment must accompany women’s empowerment.
The dominant form of masculinity has been a catalyst of inequality and violence.
However, these toxic masculinities can be challenged and transformed to promote collaboration and respect.
The MenEngage Alliance organisation in southern Africa has shown that engaging men and boys as agents of change can bring about change.
Such initiatives must seek to unlearn toxic masculinity and encourage healthy relationship practices, which are a good place to start building better societies.
Once in office, the president-elect can continue with these measures and ensure she promotes gender equality in education, the workplace, and different community areas.
For instance, the University of Namibia, through its Gender Training and Research Programme, made gender a compulsory subject for all first-year students.
It is possible to sustain gender equality as a norm when campaigns show positive male role models leading by example!
VISION AND ACTION
The emergence of a woman as Namibia’s president is not the end of the gender equality struggle but rather another phase that needs to be taken through several steps.
It is important to note that it presents a good opportunity to change perceptions and challenge stereotypes about women that are so pervasive in our everyday parlance.
While the expectation and the weight of this historic moment will weigh heavily on the president-elect, I want to caution her and the Namibian nation that developmental initiatives and change do not happen overnight.
They involve a process of community, political leaders, business people, and every Namibian partaking in developing the Namibia we desire.
There are no shortcuts to progress!
Thus, Namibia has no choice but to embrace multiple approaches to gender equality and an inclusive development agenda to lead SADC, the African continent, and the world.
International partners such as the African Union and UN Women can help amplify the effects and ensure that Namibia’s policies align with international standards.
A FUTURE TO STRIVE FOR
The prospect of equity and justice at this crucial time in our global economy and the choice of a woman as the head of the state of Namibia are significant steps towards advancing women’s rights in the SADC region and the world.
However, a country’s true success is the lives of people changing – women who break through barriers, men who speak out for equality, and children who grow up without experiening violence.
This historic event should be a wake-up call for everyone to ensure that Namibians of all backgrounds work together to build a better future for the nation.
As Namibia sets an example, the country is also telling the world that when women rise, we all rise.
The process is only half completed, yet the goal of building a dignified, equal, and just world is close, and we can safely say there is light at the end of the tunnel.
– Michael Conteh is a gender specialist and consultant. He can be reached at linsobob@gmail.com
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