Opinion | Namibia's Patriarchal Shadows: How Far Have We Come?

Namibia grapples with a multitude of unique challenges that demand innovative and custom-tailored solutions, distinctly suited to the realities of the nation. While the development models employed by Western and Eastern countries have successfully lifted their citizens out of socioeconomic and geopolitical adversities, Namibia stands at a crossroads requiring a specialized developmental agenda aimed at addressing the specific needs of its people. 

The mechanisms employed by first-world countries, which facilitated their journey towards emancipation from socioeconomic hardship and geopolitical conflicts, showcase a remarkable combination of vision, solidarity, and patriotism. These effective development models have marked the evolutionary journey of these nations, transitioning from agrarian economies to thriving industrial powerhouses. 

However, Namibia requires its own developmental strategy—a comprehensive and detailed plan that confronts the distinctive hurdles faced by its populace. While there exist several National Development Plans (NDP), including the ambitious Harambee Prosperity Plan, which centers on capacity building and adopts a human-centered approach to empower grassroots communities through enhanced financial resources aimed at food security and human development, the long-term framework, Namibia's Vision 2030, envisions a prosperous and industrialized nation, driven by its human resources while basking in peace, harmony, and political stability. 

Currently, as Namibia implements its NDP 6, the gaps left by previous plans highlight an urgent need for collective action. The nation must tackle pressing issues such as the rehabilitation of its flawed political landscapes, ensuring food security, enhancing healthcare services, broadening access to quality education, dismantling deeply ingrained ethnic stereotypes, and addressing tribalism and other societal tribulations. 

The purpose of this blog post is not to offer prescriptive solutions but to draw attention to observations founded on factual insights. It is an appeal for collaboration among Namibian partners and stakeholders to unite in addressing the nation's challenges. 

A review of NDP 5 uncovered that insufficient financial resources, budgetary constraints, and a lack of coordination among implementing partners—exacerbated by the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic—hampered the realization of desired outcomes. 

Nonetheless, a significant milestone was reached in March 2024, when the National Assembly of Namibia achieved a remarkable 50/50 gender representation of men and women. This achievement prompts a critical inquiry into whether we still inhabit a patriarchal society. The answer is nuanced; we find both affirmations and denials. Historically, women have faced marginalization influenced by cultural norms and a lack of representation in leadership roles. Yet, recent developments signal tremendous progress toward gender parity, especially in political representation. 

The National Assembly serves as a striking example of this gender balance during Namibia's 34 years of independence, notably embodying the SWAPO's zebra-style gender equality ideology. Furthermore, advocacy for girls and women's rights has been woven into the policies and missions of numerous private and public institutions. While attention to the boy child often lags, initiatives aimed at empowering women have bolstered their confidence and opened up possibilities for leadership in traditionally male-dominated sectors. These changes also reflect a shift in societal perspectives, aiming to dismantle harmful views such as discrimination, misogyny, and various forms of abuse stemming from male dominance. 

The strides made in women's suffrage showcase substantial achievements, with religious teachings increasingly affirming the principle of equality. In this 21st century, opportunities for both men and women are plentiful, and gender-based arguments related to work or education are swiftly becoming outdated. 

Historically, women’s rights to vote were nonexistent before the late 18th century. In the United States, the pivotal moment occurred in 1920 when women won the right to vote, a privilege now taken for granted. Similarly, in South Africa, the 1933 elections marked a watershed moment, allowing women to participate in the electoral process after decades of struggle.

While religious texts generally promote equality, discrepancies remain in individual interpretations of these sacred writings across various faiths. For instance, Christianity purports that men and women stand equal before God, given different roles to fulfill God's vision for a righteous home. Likewise, Islam asserts that in God's eyes, both genders are equal and permitted to undertake similar responsibilities. Thus, those who employ a distorted understanding to justify tyrannical behavior or mistreatment of their counterparts misunderstand fundamental religious concepts. 

In conclusion, we cannot declare that we exist in a patriarchal society; rather, success is predicated on the hard work and ambition of individuals, regardless of gender. In this modern era, equal opportunities flourish for both men and women, rendering any argument to the contrary increasingly untenable.

The highly anticipated 2024 national and general elections are scheduled to kick off in November, generating a buzz of excitement and speculation across the nation. This election cycle features a significant imbalance in gender representation, with a larger number of male candidates competing against the two female presidential hopefuls: the independent Ally Angula and SWAPO's Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwa, both of whom are breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated arena. 

In this presidential race, candidates face few formal obstacles for entry, with the primary criteria revolving around age and nationality. Ultimately, the fate of the elections will hinge on the votes cast by citizens, reflecting their trust and confidence in the candidates vying for the highest office in the land. As voters prepare to make their choices, the focus remains on the qualities and visions each candidate brings to the table.