At the High-Level Meeting commemorating the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women held on Monday, 22 September 2025, H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, reaffirmed her nation’s strong commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Since gaining independence in 1990, Namibia has prioritized gender issues through strong political will and international commitments, notably the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted that Namibia has closed 81.1 percent of its gender gap, ranking eighth globally and first in Africa according to the 2025 World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report.
Namibia’s leadership showcases historic milestones with women occupying top posts, including the presidency, vice presidency, and key cabinet ministries such as Finance, Health, and Education. Women now hold 57 percent of cabinet positions and 38.5 percent of seats in the National Assembly.
Despite these advances, the President acknowledged ongoing challenges, especially the economic inclusion of rural and young women who face limited access to credit, land, and markets. Namibia’s National Gender Equality and Equity Policy 2025-2035 aims to address these gaps with focused support for women-owned enterprises and agricultural initiatives backed by Agribank of Namibia.
Reflecting on her role as Rapporteur General at the original Beijing Conference, Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed Namibia’s renewed commitment to accelerating progress through tackling gender-based violence, harmful social norms, innovative partnerships, and gender-responsive budgeting. This dedication aligns with the nation’s goal to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.
Namibia’s journey from the Beijing Declaration to today’s world leadership in gender equality illustrates a model of transformative progress driven by political commitment, inclusive policies, and strategic investment in women’s empowerment.
