More women needed in politics
There is a need for an increase in the women to men ratio in Namibian politics.
These sentiments were shared by the gender and child welfare minister Doreen Sioka, at the official opening of the conference on women in politics and decision-making on Wednesday in Swakopmund.
“Political parties are the central pillar in achieving gender equality when it comes to the political sphere. I therefore urge political parties to amend or consider amending their constitutions to embrace the notion of gender equality.
“Gender equality is not about women taking over positions of power from men, it is about men and women working together in partnership for the good and development of any nation,” said Sioka.
Thus far, Namibia has 46% female representation in the national assembly. However, in the National Council, women are still underrepresented. Swapo has adopted the 50/50 representation policy as far back as 2013 and while great strides have been made in this regard, much is still to be done.
“We should demand for amendments to the electoral laws to enable equal representation of both men and women in the National Council,” she said.
Sioka applauded the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) for its progress in gender mainstreaming, especially in peacekeeping missions. She referred to women being sent on peacekeeping missions and promoted to high-ranking positions in the NDF, saying Namibia’s performance in terms of gender equality and women’s empowerment is globally considered as being outstanding.
“Please keep doing your part, you are putting our country on the map. Now when we are at international events where gender equality is discussed, we can hold our heads high because we know we are doing well,” she said.
Sioka used the opportunity to encourage young girls to join the NDF in large numbers as she said serving in the defence force is a career like any other.
The three-day consultative conference was held by the gender ministry along with the International Institute for Democratic and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).
The main objective of the gathering was to create a platform for collective reflection and consensus building by political party representatives in Namibia to foster compliance with the national constitutional, regional and international commitments in the attainment of gender equality and align this with the new global agenda of sustainable development goals.
The conference brought together representatives of political parties in Namibia, officials from the ministry and experts and officials from International IDEA. – Additional reporting by Nampa
Adolf Kaure
These sentiments were shared by the gender and child welfare minister Doreen Sioka, at the official opening of the conference on women in politics and decision-making on Wednesday in Swakopmund.
“Political parties are the central pillar in achieving gender equality when it comes to the political sphere. I therefore urge political parties to amend or consider amending their constitutions to embrace the notion of gender equality.
“Gender equality is not about women taking over positions of power from men, it is about men and women working together in partnership for the good and development of any nation,” said Sioka.
Thus far, Namibia has 46% female representation in the national assembly. However, in the National Council, women are still underrepresented. Swapo has adopted the 50/50 representation policy as far back as 2013 and while great strides have been made in this regard, much is still to be done.
“We should demand for amendments to the electoral laws to enable equal representation of both men and women in the National Council,” she said.
Sioka applauded the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) for its progress in gender mainstreaming, especially in peacekeeping missions. She referred to women being sent on peacekeeping missions and promoted to high-ranking positions in the NDF, saying Namibia’s performance in terms of gender equality and women’s empowerment is globally considered as being outstanding.
“Please keep doing your part, you are putting our country on the map. Now when we are at international events where gender equality is discussed, we can hold our heads high because we know we are doing well,” she said.
Sioka used the opportunity to encourage young girls to join the NDF in large numbers as she said serving in the defence force is a career like any other.
The three-day consultative conference was held by the gender ministry along with the International Institute for Democratic and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).
The main objective of the gathering was to create a platform for collective reflection and consensus building by political party representatives in Namibia to foster compliance with the national constitutional, regional and international commitments in the attainment of gender equality and align this with the new global agenda of sustainable development goals.
The conference brought together representatives of political parties in Namibia, officials from the ministry and experts and officials from International IDEA. – Additional reporting by Nampa
Adolf Kaure
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article