Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Maternity leave benefits in Namibia are under currently scrutiny after calls for urgent policy reforms to address disparities that affect women’s economic empowerment.
Toini Amaambo, the programme officer at the Namibian Rural Women Assembly (NRWA), has raised concerns about the differences in maternity leave policies between the public and private sectors.
She said that a review of these differences is necessary to guarantee the full protection of all women’s rights.
“Some of these issues depend on where one is employed and the flexibility of the workplace. In the public sector, policies are generally clear, but the private sector presents challenges, especially in offering full maternity benefits,” said Amaambo.
She explained the financial challenges faced by women in the private sector, noting that while the Social Security Commission (SSC) provides some support, the N$15,000 cap on benefits often leaves higher earners at a disadvantage.
“As much as we want 100% of maternity leave to be paid, knowing that the sector you work for can’t financially allow it becomes difficult. The other disadvantage is if a person earns more than N$15,000 when maternity is capped there, and some companies do not top up the difference,” Amaambo added.
Her concerns stem from the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement’s leader, Job Amupanda’s letter to the minister of gender equality and social welfare on August 27.
In the letter, Amupanda challenges the SSC’s practice of paying only 50% of the basic wage during maternity leave in a letter through his legal representatives, Kadhila Amoomo Legal Practitioners.
Amupanda also argues that this practice violates the Labour Act 11 of 2007 and Regulation 9 of the Social Security Act 34 of 1994.
“This practice significantly impacts the livelihoods of female employees and amounts to a form of punishment for bringing life into this nation,” he said.
Amupanda’s legal team also urged the ministry to consider amending what they describe as a “prejudicial policy” and updating directives that may inadvertently perpetuate inequality.
Efforts to reach the minister of gender equality and social welfare, Doreen Sioka, for comment were unsuccessful.
