Gender Equality: Don’t Forget Boys

Namibia’s commitment to gender equality is exemplary in Africa.

Namibia is a nation on the verge of having a woman president.

The statistics obtained from the National Assembly indicate that out of 104 members, there are 52 woman and 52 men in the parliament.

The ruling party currently has 63 seats, of which 35 are occupied by women.

At ministerial level, there are 21 ministers, of whom 12 are men and nine are women.

This is nice.

We should thank ourselves as a 34-year-old country.

This should become part of our DNA as a nation.

As we move forward to bequeath a better Namibia for our children and theirs, we need gender equality to become part of our culture and values.

It demonstrates a tangible commitment to women’s empowerment.

Namibia remains a role model to the entire African continent.

The country is a shining example of inclusivity and progress – a country with two women in the top three positions in the government, and with the youngest woman minister, namely Emma Theophelus (of information and communication technology).

This nation has set many exellent examples of empowering women, increasing their representation in decision-making processes.

However, let us also empower rural women, like at Ohamwaala, Omevatahekele village and other villages.
Let us also not forget about boys.

I think it is high time that we level the playing field.

Boys are consumed by the issues of the world.

They become unsuccessful and develop personalities which disturb our society.

Look at the prisons: Who are the majority of criminals?

Namibia has done enough to uplift women, now let us uplift all genders together.

You can never end gender-based violence by focusing on empowering only one gender.

Therefore, as much as strides have been made in protecting the rights of women and girls, the rights of boys and men must not be forgotten.

I see danger in empowering women while neglecting boys.

I am not saying we should not empower women, all I am saying is let us not create a world in which women are empowered more than men, because it will end in tears.

Alfeus Hamundja