Gender equality acts as a mirror reflecting rights and opportunities that benefit both genders, whether male or female, boys or girls. 

It is essentially a fair distribution of resources and power between men and women in both rural and urban areas. 

The positive effects of gender equality can create a balanced society, especially when resources are fairly allocated to meet their needs and when there is equal power among them. 

In previous years, women and girls were deprived of access to resources and power, which made them highly vulnerable. 

This vulnerability prompted the government to realise the importance of gender equality, leading to fairness and equal treatment between men and women, supported by the National Gender Policy of 1997, 2010-2020 and the National Gender Equality and Equity Policy of 2025-2035. 

These key documents are essential when discussing gender equality and equity.

The absence of these policies previously contributed to increased unfairness, discrimination and violation of women’s and girls’ rights. 

Women were regarded as inferior and held few key government positions, with underrepresentation in decision-making bodies. 

Consequently, the push for gender equality eventually became a reality in Namibia. 

A notable example is the composition of the cabinet, where 58% are women and 42% are men. 

This gender equality progress is also reflected in the country’s first female president and vice president. 

The Global Gender Gap report states that Namibia is leading Africa in addressing the gender gap, with an 81.1% score, ranking 8th globally, and being the only African nation in the top 10. 

This achievement benefits not only women but also men, boys and girls across the nation.

Gender equality is made possible through the implementation of international instruments and treaties, as well as education that changes perceptions, especially among traditional leaders and the public.

It ensures women and girls are treated fairly and empowered to lead the country’s economic development. 

Today, it is common to see young women appointed to lead ministries, regions and major institutions – an accomplishment difficult for nations with high gender inequality. 

In contrast, gender inequality is highly detrimental compared to gender equality, which considers all needs of men, women, girls and boys in decision-making. 

While gender equality does not directly eliminate issues like resource distribution flaws, violence, unemployment, corruption or poverty, it helps minimise them. 

However, in our homeland, these problems remain prevalent, raising questions about the relevance of gender equality amid such challenges.

One might ask: can gender equality still be meaningful in the face of resource distribution flaws, high unemployment, corruption, poverty and gender-based violence (GBV)? 

The answer depends on the remedies in place to ensure positive impacts. 

These remedies include job creation programmes from the government and public entities, as well as business empowerment initiatives supported by most government ministries and private sector partners. Regarding corruption, the government established the Anti-Corruption Commission to combat such activities. 

Concerning poverty, strategies are implemented to assist marginalised groups, including orphans, people with disabilities and pensioners. 

Solutions for GBV include establishing investigation units, shelters for victims and national awareness campaigns. 

Yet, questions remain: are these remedies ineffective, or are citizens not playing their part in strengthening gender equality? 

Are leaders aware that ignoring these issues or neglecting marginalised individuals can undermine gender equality? 

Is gender equality solely focused on power distribution, neglecting key aspects such as fair resource sharing? 

I believe gender equality should prioritise factors that enhance the livelihoods of all Namibians, benefitting the majority and ultimately fostering a balanced “50/50 gender representation in government,” reflecting a focus on people’s needs. 

Ultimately, the government and its leaders should dedicate their energy, authority and knowledge to ensure gender equality through service delivery, addressing social challenges that hinder social stability.

*Tobias Nanhinda is a librarian at the gender ministry. The views in this article are entirely his and do not represent his employer.