Speaker Kuugongelwa-Amadhila Calls for Inclusive Leadership and Stronger Support for Women in Public Life

Remarks by Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, speaker of the National Assembly of Namibia, at the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union General Assembly, ‘Transforming Leadership: Overcoming New Challenges to Gender Equality,’ 19 October 2025, Geneva, Switzerland.

___________________________________________________________

Distinguished speakers, colleagues, and fellow parliamentarians,

It is a privilege to join you today to reflect on the evolving nature of leadership and the persistent challenges shaping women’s participation in public life.

Leadership exists in all of us, even when we do not hold formal positions of authority. Many women have led in their families, communities, and economies – often without recognition. Taking up formal leadership positions simply affirms roles that women have long fulfilled.

Public leadership is a journey that begins with a decision to step forward, often into spaces where we are not expected or welcomed. My own journey began soon after university, when I was deployed into a senior public leadership role with little time to prepare. I had to learn quickly, supported by mentors and peers who believed in my potential. That support was invaluable.

However, as a young unmarried woman, I faced scepticism and doubt. My presence in leadership was questioned, my ideas were challenged, and my mistakes were amplified – sometimes through open criticism, sometimes through subtle forms of bullying, including in the media.

These experiences are not unique. Across the world, women still face barriers such as gender stereotypes, limited access to financial resources, and gender-based violence, both online and offline. These pressures often discourage women or force them to step back from leadership.

That is why support systems matter. Mentorship, preparation, and wellness programmes are essential. Institutions and political parties must ensure that women are not only appointed to leadership positions but supported throughout their journey.

Governments must also create enabling laws to promote women’s participation, including mandatory quotas, and address practical concerns like maternity benefits and childcare. 

When I went on maternity leave, I had to use vacation days because paid maternity benefits did not exist. Thankfully, reforms are now underway to change this – with full maternity benefits introduced for government employees and consultations ongoing at national level.

We must also address the digital space. Cyberbullying and media bias disproportionately affect women in public roles. As technology evolves, regulations must evolve too, protecting dignity and encouraging women’s participation.

Equally important, women must support one another. We must move from competition to collaboration – and engage men as allies. Gender equality is not about taking something away; it is about building a better, fairer world together.

I have learned that setbacks are part of the journey. Criticism fades, but the lessons remain. Each challenge is an opportunity for growth – and those who persist become the trailblazers for others.

Let us continue to share experiences, open doors, and work together to transform leadership so that it reflects the diversity and strength of our societies. Inclusion is not a zero-sum game – when we create space for others, we strengthen our institutions and nations.

Men and women must work together to promote inclusive leadership for mutual benefit and stronger, more resilient communities.

I thank you.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.