As a country and people, we are celebrating the achievements of gender equality and the empowerment of women in public and private sectors. 

Currently, the 60% women representation on the executive level of the Government of the Republic of Namibia is one of the major milestones to be recorded in the history of our country. 

During the budget contribution for the financial year 2025/2026 in the National Assembly, Honourable Emma Kantema reflected on Namibia’s huge continental achievement of 60% women representation in Cabinet. Minister Kantema highlighted that the achievement makes Namibia as a country to be a trailblazer in gender-balanced governance on the African continent. This achievement testifies to our country’s strong constitutional value as embeded in Article 21 (1) (j) under fundamental freedom where all persons have the right to “practise any profession or carry on any occupation, trade or business”. The assumation of Her Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to the highest office in the Republic of Namibia demonstrates that the country has and holds no barriers to democratic participation. 

In celebrating such achievements, it is important to look at the enablers towards such considered efforts. 

It is here that we remember a vital figure and an architect of our united Namibian house, the reflection on his seasoned and impactful leadership as liberation struggle icon and later the founding president of the Swapo Party and the Republic of Namibia Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma. He successfully laid the foundation of the Swapo Party from strength to strength. 

At the same time, reference is equally made to the strong foundation of the Swapo Party Women’s Council that was laid by previous leaders, the very foundation we continue to build and strengthen. 

It is important to understand and note that the struggle and attainment of the 60% women inclusion was not something that transpired over night. 

A strong foundation and blue print laid and served as a backbone and corner stone to this continentally recognised success. Reference is hereby made to the Swapo Party ordinary Congress that was held in Windhoek on 2-11 December 1991.

One of the resolutions was that “women should be involved at the decision-making level in the planning and active implementation of projects aimed towards addressing issues affecting their lives”. 

In addition, the 2002 Swapo Party Ordinary Congress recommended the 50/50 gender composition of Congress delegates from the regions. 

At least 30% women representative in the Central Committee. Furthermore, amendments were made to the Swapo Party Constitution in 2013 to include the clause, which sought to achieve the adoption of the zebra style election system (50/50 equal representation of males and female) at all Swapo Party structures. This is namely Congress delegates, top four positions, Central Committee, Political Bureau, Secretariat and parliamentary list. Above-mentioned are some of the strategies worth celebrating, as they served as stepping stones towards the emancipation and active inclusion of women in the political landscape of the Swapo Party. As the Swapo Party Women’s Council (SPWC), it is of crucial and historical essence that we put it on record that the empowerment and emancipation of women in political and national leadership has remained critical in our existence. It is, of course, in the spirit of harnessing a gender parallel empowerment approach for both the girl and boy child to leave no room for inequality and gender discrepancy. The 60% of women in Cabinet shows that the Swapo Party is a well-oiled machine with structures and a sound constitution which its members subject to and abide. 

This is a reaffirmation of the quality and leadership capabilities that the Swapo Party has fostered and continues to strengthen and harness. It is a definite sign that women have the capacity and capabilities to lead and be in positions of power. In addition, they have the ability to thrive and effectively deliver in such positions. 

Her Excellency Nandi-Ndaitwah has been in various Swapo Party leadership as well as government structures and positions through which she has honed her skills as a leader. With over 55 years of political and leadership experience, she is a dedicated advocate for education and training, the upliftment of the boy and girl child as well as social progress. 

She is a leader with a clear vision, who remains focused with strong dedication to the constitutional, social, economic and political responsibility, which she has been called to. She is seasoned diplomat, who consistently avoids unnecessary misunderstandings and hostile political discourses.She maintains a steady course. 

This must be seen in a light of a leader who has always provided a platform for women in her various roles. She is a leader who believes in growing together, parallel with others.

She is a true steward of women empowerment. Therefore, SWPWC’s rank and file remain ever grateful for this. President Nandi-Ndaiwah’s roles at the desk and department of women affairs and leading the then-Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Welfare strengthened her motherly role and understanding of gender equality, child protection and social welfare in Namibia. A greatly visible and transparent foundation indeed.

While remembering the life of Nujoma, in the same spirit, the leadership of Swapo Party Women’s Council is once again hereby reminded of the instruction he gave by during the 5th Congress of the SPWC in Rundu on 8 December 2006.

He said “The SPWC plays an important role in the mobilisation of Namibians to join Swapo, and thereby enhances the growth of our party in all regions of our country. Therefore, as leaders of this important wing of Swapo, you must work harder and continue to inculcate in our masses patriotic sentiments, and mobilise them to concentrate on economic development of our country”. 

It is this very marching order that drives our continued commitment and dedication to the course, strengthening our women’s council to the greater growth of our Swapo. 

Comrade Nujoma’s vision will continue to reasoned with the SPWC, renewing our determination to honouring his legacy. This will be ensured through our loyalty to his vision for Namibian women empowerment and contribution to the agenda of social and economic progression under the stewardship of our current and capable President.