Gender parity on Namibia’s National Council remains elusive
Namibia’s National Council continues to reflect a gender gap, with women accounting for only seven of the 42 members. The figure marks a slight improvement from the previous term but underscores persistent underrepresentation at the national level. National Council secretary Tousy Namiseb confirmed the statistics this week, as lawmakers formally take office for the new term.
Context and implications of the imbalance
Parliamentary bodies play a critical role in shaping policy and ensuring diverse perspectives are represented in lawmaking. Even a modest underrepresentation of women can influence the types of issues prioritized and the way legislation is debated. In Namibia, advocates for gender equity argue that women bring unique experiences and concerns to issues such as healthcare, education, social welfare, and rural development. The current composition of the National Council suggests that barriers to female participation—whether structural, cultural, or political—remain unaddressed.
What the numbers reveal about progress
The latest roster shows seven female members out of 42 seats, equating to roughly 16.7%. While any gain from the prior term signals forward movement, experts warn that incremental changes are not enough to reach gender parity. Analysts stress that sustained improvements require deliberate policies, party commitments, and strong pipelines for women to enter and ascend within political ranks.
Responses from officials and civil society
Officials, including Namiseb, have reiterated the need for concrete steps to foster broader female engagement. Civil society groups have urged political parties to adopt transparent gender quotas, nurture female leadership at the provincial and municipal levels, and offer mentorship programs that prepare women for legislative roles. The conversation also centers on creating supportive environments within party lists and parliamentary committees, where women can influence policy decisions and hold authorities to account.
What can be done to close the gap?
Experts propose several concrete measures: implement binding or voluntary gender quotas in party candidate lists; fund leadership development programs for women; ensure equal access to campaign resources; and promote a culture of inclusivity in parliamentary workplaces. Additionally, media coverage that highlights female lawmakers’ contributions can shift public perceptions and encourage more women to pursue public office. These steps aim not just to diversify representation but to improve policy outcomes by incorporating broader viewpoints.
Looking ahead
With the new term beginning, the onus is on political parties, the National Council, and civil society to transform intent into measurable change. The presence of women in more senior parliamentary roles could influence the legislative agenda toward inclusive growth and social protection. For Namibia, achieving gender parity in the National Council would be a meaningful milestone that reinforces commitments to democracy, equality, and representative governance.
Conclusion
Namibia’s National Council has taken a step forward in female representation, but the seven-woman, 42-member composition remains a work in progress. Sustained, coordinated action across parties and civil society is essential to advance gender parity and ensure that women’s voices are equally heard in national decision making.
