Namibian Men View Women As Commodities
By: NGAMANE KARUAIHE-UPITHE celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) has been gaining ground all over the world, and Namibian women are surely not left behind in doing their part. This day has been celebrated since the 1900s, when women in America began asserting themselves for better treatment and acceptance in all spheres in society. In contemporary times, there are events planned, not just on this day, but throughout March, to mark the social, economic and political achievements of women.
Gradually there is remarkable progress observed in the actualisation of equal rights of and for women. This day is now globally acknowledged to herald the achievements of women up to this point, whilst being a reminder of the long road still ahead for total victory in accomplishing equity and equality for men and women. It is common to applaud the achievements of women as presidents of countries, prime ministers, astronauts, business leaders, athletes, and innovative entrepreneurs; whilst women still remain the strong anchors of life as mothers and wives at home.
The United Nations’ theme for 2013 is: ‘A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women’. This theme is befitting to Namibia, as the level of violence against women seems to only increase. With all the fancy laws and regulations in place, Namibia remains a country where the life of a woman is a commodity not appreciated by some men.
Government, public and private organisations, charities, educational institutions, women’s groups, churches, corporations, the media, traditional authorities and other governance structures need to embrace and celebrate this day. And the best way is to infuse or inculcate acceptance and tolerance of the right to be equal between men and women. To vigilantly promote equal treatment and reward of the two sexes in their contributions towards a healthier nation should be an obligation undertaken by all.
The lack of mass action to safeguard the sanctity and essence of the role of women needs serious attention in Namibia. Not a week goes by without the announcement of another girl/woman being violated in a gruesome manner. The promises and demonstrations for justice are just not enough. Namibians need a serious indaba to investigate and duly advocate for women to be given their space to freely live and breathe. The need for gender equality needs to be spoon-fed to all men/boys and women/girls. The internalisation of gender laws and policies is crucially needed to accommodate the environment in which men can be enlightened and women can be empowered to become equal in the truest sense of the words. It must become a compulsory subject in our educational system, from pre-primary to tertiary level.
The new millennium has witnessed a significant change and attitudinal shift in both women’s and society’s thoughts about women’s equality and liberation. However, in Namibia there are still signs of reluctance in embracing the emancipation of women, and rather the entrenchment of patriarchy.
Politically women are being sidelined in what they can contribute to political parties and governance structures. The promised 50-50 representation is nowhere to be seen. With more women taking up positions of power in the boardrooms, and greater equality in legislative rights, and becoming more and more visible as impressive role models in most facets of life, one could conclude that women have gained true equality. The unfortunate fact is that women still are not paid equally to their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, or in cultural spheres of influence. Their level of education and health is still compromised. Reproductive rights remain but nice words on paper. Violence against women remains much worse than that which is experienced by men.
This is surely a day on which all Namibians must pause and reflect on the essence of the Namibian women. If women are the carriers and custodians of culture, how can they be assured to participate and influence society in terms of cultural and spiritual growth? How are they encouraged to positively and freely contribute towards the development of this country? How are they given space to impact the moral and ethical rejuvenation needed in this country to fight corruption and inequality?
Yes, the strength of women in Namibia is yet to be realised. It cannot remain a dream any longer. And the celebration of IWD can surely recharge and restart our mental evolution towards a greater future, with women a considerable driving force, contributing, guiding and leading, right next to men and not behind them.
* The author of this opinion, Ngamane Karuaihe-Upi, is a gender equality practitioner.