Namibia has been distinguished as Africa’s most gender-equal country and as the only country on the continent to rank amongst the global top 10 gender-equal nations.
This remarkable achievement is accredited to the country’s pragmatic leadership, progressive policies and institutional reforms.
The country is currently ranked first in Africa and number eight globally, thanks to its advanced reforms and gender-sensitive policies in almost all areas of gender parity, with special focus and improvements on education, economic participation, political empowerment and access to health.
With its overall gender gap closed by over 81.1%, Namibia is the first country globally where women concurrently hold the top three positions in government.
For the first time in Africa, both the president and vice president of Namibia are women, while the Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, is also a woman and one of Namibia’s veteran politicians.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, a seasoned diplomat and former vice president, assumed the country’s Presidency in March last year following the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections.
She is deputised in the country’s highest office by Lucia Witbooi as vice president, marking a historic moment for gender representation in African governance.
These key achievements were highlighted and celebrated during the recent 52nd Universal Periodic Review Session of the UN in Geneva, where justice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuel represented the country.
In Geneva, Immanuel said the progressive milestones in gender equality are a strong demonstration of the country’s commitment to democracy, accountability and the rule of law.
“Since 21 March 2025, Namibia has a female President, Vice President, Speaker of the National Assembly and the majority of Cabinet ministers in Namibia are female. Currently, Namibia’s Cabinet is composed of mostly women at 57%. Government continues to lobby for the 50/50 representation in the political decision-making sector…”
“Through collaborations with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), Namibia continues to implement and hold capacity building workshops for women in political and decision-making roles, to enhance gender equality in these sectors,” Immanuel told the gathering.
Namibia’s performance of 81.1% stands out in sub-Saharan Africa, a region that has managed to close its gender gap by 68%.
Policy reforms
Immanuel said Namibia’s approach to gender parity has been systematic, particularly using legislative quotas and affirmative action, which has not only helped normalise women’s leadership but has also changed public perception.
Today, women hold approximately 57% of Cabinet positions and have previously held roughly 44.2% of parliamentary seats.
“Government continues to strongly lobby for the 50/50 representation in the political decision-making sector. As a country, we will continue to promote sustainable economic and social development to provide a solid foundation for its people by developing and implementing its economic and social national development policies and plans.”
The minister said Namibia made progress by implementing several strategies that has helped institutionalise gender equality, which includes the 2025/2035 National Gender Equality and Equity Policy, which aims to eliminate gender inequalities across six primary clusters, including health, education, and economic empowerment.
The Affirmative Action Act is also another key instrument which promotes fair hiring practices and has successfully increased women’s participation in executive and public service roles.
Meanwhile, the Gender-Responsive Budgeting programme has been helpful in ensuring public funds are specifically allocated towards the socioeconomic development of women and children.
-ohembapu@nepc.com.na