Breaking Barriers: Advancing Support and Services for Rural Women and Men

Speech by vice president Lucia Witbooi, Windhoek, 22 September 2025

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I am honoured to address this important gathering of the eighth Rural Women Parliament with Men as Partners, convened by the National Council, under the theme: ‘Breaking Barriers: Advancing Sustainable Support and Services for Rural Women and Men.’

This gathering is not merely a platform of dialogue but also a beacon of hope and empowerment for our rural communities, especially women. It underscores Namibia’s enduring commitment to inclusivity, gender equality, and social justice in the pursuit of sustainable development.

Reflecting on the relevance of today’s theme, we acknowledge that rural women are the backbone of our agricultural economy, food systems, and family livelihoods. They contribute significantly to ensuring household food security, preserving indigenous knowledge, and building community resilience.

Equally, rural men stand as partners in development – working alongside women to provide for their families and to uphold the values of dignity, responsibility, and progress. Furthermore, the theme reminds us that the journey of empowerment is not one of exclusion but of partnership. Men must not be seen as obstacles to gender equality, but as allies and advocates who share responsibility in building stronger families and societies.

True progress can only be achieved when women and men walk hand in hand, share resources equitably, make decisions together, and support one another in building a better future for all.

At this juncture, allow me to commend the National Council for creating this brilliant platform of Rural Women Parliament. This forum offers opportunities for grassroots women and men to access information on socio-economic and political developments within the country and to exchange experiences on how to deal with the challenges in their communities at a personal level.

It is through initiatives of this nature, among others, that the government remains steadfast in advancing the rights and well-being of rural communities. Our national policies, from Vision 2030 to the Sixth National Development Plan, the Swapo Party Implementation Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals, prioritise inclusivity, equality, and empowerment of the marginalised.

We will continue to strengthen programmes aimed at uplifting rural communities, broadening social protection, and accelerating gender-responsive development initiatives.

It is pleasing to note that our government has achieved considerable progress in gender equality and inclusive governance. Today, we are proud to witness the inclusion of women in leadership positions in government and in the private sector, an accomplishment deserving of recognition.

However, despite these achievements, we also acknowledge that more still needs to be done, especially in rural communities. Some of our people, especially rural women and men, continue to face barriers such as poverty, limited access to health services, inadequate infrastructure, gender-based inequalities, and the harsh realities of climate change.

Therefore, to truly break barriers, we must collectively deliberate and commit to concrete actions. This involves, among others:

• Economic empowerment – ensuring equitable access to land, credit, technology, and markets so that rural women and men can engage productively and sustainably in agriculture and entrepreneurship.
  
• Education and skills development – expanding literacy, vocational training, and digital skills to empower rural communities, especially youth and women, to participate fully in the modern economy.
  
• Healthcare and social services – strengthening rural healthcare systems, including maternal health, mental health, and access to essential services, while integrating men into advocacy against gender-based violence.
  
• Climate resilience – supporting rural farmers with sustainable agricultural practices, climate-smart technologies, and renewable energy solutions to protect their livelihoods against environmental shocks.
  
• Inclusive governance – ensuring that rural women and men have a voice in decision-making processes at local, regional, and national levels, thus reinforcing democracy and accountability.
  

As we deliberate in this important parliament, let us remember that every barrier we break brings us closer to a more equitable Namibia. Every service extended sustainably to rural women and men strengthens the foundation of our democracy and development.

In your deliberations, I urge this parliament to also reflect on the disturbing issues currently affecting our society. I am talking about the scourge of gender-based violence and rising suicidal cases in our country. I call upon men and women to be allies in the fight to prevent these social ills. Together, as men and women, let us analyse, challenge and refrain from harmful cultural norms which advocate for dominance and violence.

Let our men and women act as positive role models, speaking out against violence and sexism in our communities, families, and schools. By modelling positive behaviours and healthy relationships, women and men can teach the next generation about respect, equality, and non-violence.

In conclusion, I call upon all stakeholders, civil society, development partners, traditional authorities, and rural communities themselves to work together with renewed resolve. Let us make this parliament not only a platform of dialogue but a catalyst for action. Together, let us serve Namibians with dignity and determination.

With these remarks, I now have the honour to declare the eighth  Session of the Rural Women Parliament with Men as Partners officially open and wish you constructive deliberations.

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