Minister of gender equality and child welfare Emma Kantema has called for gender-responsive budgeting to better address the diverse needs of Namibians.
She was speaking at a capacity-building workshop for women in politics and decision-making at Swakopmund on Wednesday.
“At the heart of our work is the essential strategy of Gender-Responsive Planning and Budgeting
(GRPB).
“GRPB is not just a technical process. It is a transformative tool that ensures government budgets and policies respond equitably to the different needs of women, men, girls, and boys,” she said.
Kantema said this enables the ministry to allocate resources effectively, address gender disparities, and
accelerate socio-economic development.
As women parliamentarians, Kantema said, they are uniquely positioned to support the ministry in advancing
GRPB within their respective offices, ministries, and agencies.
She said this gives them the influence to ensure national plans and budgets prioritise gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“This workshop is designed to build your capacity in applying gender analysis in planning and budgeting, strengthening your oversight function,” she said.
Kantema said the ministry is committed to advancing women’s leadership and ensuring their voices shape Namibia’s future.
