Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The country’s 50/50 gender policy has been praised as a model for representation in governance, but questions persist about its impact beyond numerical achievements.
Speaking at the #GapZero Manifesto on Gender Equality in Public Leadership event in Monrovia on Saturday, former First Lady Monica Geingos acknowledged the policy’s success in placing women in leadership roles but highlighted the ongoing challenge of achieving real influence.
“When women break barriers to assume leadership roles, they often face a surprising challenge—a lack of support from their female counterparts,” Geingos said, underscoring the need for solidarity in the fight for gender parity.
The event, themed “Charting the Path to Gender Equality in Public Leadership,” brought together women in politics and governance, including members of the Amujae Initiative, to discuss strategies for advancing gender equity.
Geingos’ remarks echo broader concerns about the sustainability of gender parity efforts in Namibia.
While women occupy key leadership roles, their ability to shape policies and influence governance remains constrained by entrenched structures.
Liberia’s former president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, urged women to take ownership of leadership spaces.
“Have fire in your belly, commitment to your goals, and be prepared to overcome obstacles,” she said.
Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah noted that while the 50/50 policy has improved women’s representation, real influence is still limited.
“The 50/50 policy has improved women’s representation in leadership and political institutions, but real influence remains limited. Many women hold positions, but decision-making power is still largely controlled by men,” he said.
Kamwanyah argued that political parties often use gender quotas as a box-ticking exercise rather than a means for real change.
“Challenges include deeply rooted patriarchy, lack of mentorship, and weak solidarity among women themselves. Cultural biases and societal expectations also make it harder for women to assert authority,” he said.
He pointed to Rwanda as an example of a country where institutional support and leadership training empower women beyond just numerical representation.
“Policies should focus not just on representation but on creating an environment where women can lead effectively,” he added.
Last year, Zambia’s Deputy National Assembly Speaker Malungo Chisangano commended Namibia’s efforts in achieving gender equality, describing SWAPO’s constitutional zebra list system as a model worth emulating.
She also acknowledged other quota systems used by Namibian political parties to ensure women’s representation at the parliamentary level.
Namibia has also maintained its position among the top 10 countries globally in closing the gender gap.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024, the country ranks eighth out of 146 nations, having closed 80.5% of its gender gap.
