Windhoek

The Special Advisor to the Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Ambassador Tonata Itenge-Emvula, last week launched the SADC Gender Protocol 2015 Barometer Namibia.

The SADC Gender Protocol 2015 Barometer tracks the implementation of the 28 targets and provisions of the SADC Protocol on Gender.

The deadline for the implementation of these targets, which are aimed at achieving gender equality and elimination of gender discrimination, is September this year.

According to the document, Namibia has made impressive progress, as shown by the highest women representation in top positions but there are still various challenges ahead.

The importance of gender equality in order to achieve women’s empowerment was highlighted. The launch coincided with the Namibia SADC Gender Protocol summit and awards. Itenge-Emvula said in her speech that all participants were winners “for promoting gender equality”. She further encouraged the participants to continue promoting women’s rights. Ambassador of Spain to Namibia Carmen Díez also attended the event that was organised by Gender Links and the Southern Africa Gender Protocol Alliance.