Lahja Nashuuta
The government has allocated over N$473 million to the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare for the 2025/2026 financial year, with a strong focus on Early Childhood Development (ECD) and child protection.
Gender equality minister Emma Kantema said the proposed budget aims to promote gender equality, ensure equitable socio-economic development for both women and men, and enhance the well-being of children.
“This budget is a reflection of our commitment to empowering the most vulnerable in our society, particularly children, who are the future of our nation,” she stated.
Of the total allocation of N$473.6 million, N$455.3 million is earmarked for operational expenses, while N$18.3 million will go towards capital projects.
Among these capital projects are the construction of Phase 4 of the Keetmanshoop Community Empowerment Centre, renovations at the Ongwediva Community Empowerment Centre as well as maintenance work at the Namibia Children’s Home and the Afters-chool Centre in Windhoek.
Kantema highlighted the importance of decentralised services. She said “these investments in infrastructure, including upgrades to regional offices and homes of safety, will ensure that essential services reach every corner of Namibia. We aim to bring protection and support closer to the people who need it the most”.
A substantial portion of the budget, amounting to N$70.9 million, has been set aside to subsidise the salaries of 3 256 ECD educators, and provide teaching and learning materials to 246 ECD centres across the country.
“Early childhood development is the foundation of lifelong learning and success,” Kantema highlighted.
She added that “these funds will ensure that more children, especially in rural areas, have access to quality care and learning environments, setting them on a path toward brighter futures”.
The minister revealed that the government plans to expand shelter and protection services.
“The ministry currently operates eight shelters across Namibia, offering safe havens for victims of gender-based violence (GBV), child abuse and human trafficking,” Kantema stated.
She said over the past year, 254 survivors received shelter and psychosocial support through these facilities.
Additionally, the ministry supports 20 non-governmental organisations and privately-run care centres, benefitting over 500 children.
The Namibia Children’s Home currently houses 107 orphans and vulnerable children. The After-School Centre cares for 741 children, many of whom are street-connected.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that children, particularly those at risk, find not only refuge, but also a path to stability and hope,” she added.
In response to the rising cases of child abuse, the ministry will launch a national campaign on Violence Against Children (VAC).
The campaign will promote parenting skills, life skills and community education while focusing on early detection, reporting mechanisms and the timely delivery of services.
“This campaign will not only raise awareness but also create a culture of responsibility among citizens to protect our children,” Kantema remarked.
Moreover, the ministry plans to conduct multi-sectoral training sessions for social workers, law-enforcement and other key personnel to improve responses to child abuse, including online child sexual exploitation.
She said “we must equip those on the frontlines with the tools and knowledge to tackle these issues effectively”.
The ministry will strengthen its frontline services with the recruitment of 134 social workers as approved by the Public Service Commission.
In this financial year, 35 social workers, will be deployed across all 14 regions to support GBV Protection Units and provide community-based services.
Beyond protection services, the ministry has allocated N$1.2 million for income-generating activities, which will benefit 42 individuals, 70% of whom are women.
Through its EntreprenHER programme, 400 women will receive training in digital and financial literacy, business development and intellectual property rights.