Namibia Showcases Global Leadership in Gender Equality at Beijing Meeting

Namibia Showcases Global Leadership in Gender Equality at Beijing Meeting. Namibia reaffirmed its position as a continental leader in gender equality during the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women held in Beijing on 13 October 2025. Hon. Jenelly Matundu, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Trade, represented Namibia at the high-level event, where she delivered a compelling statement on the nation’s continued progress in advancing women’s rights and empowerment.

Hon. Matundu highlighted Namibia’s success in closing 81.1% of its gender gap, earning it the 8th position globally and 1st in Africa — a significant milestone reflecting decades of commitment to equality. She also emphasized the country’s strong record of women’s representation in governance, with women currently holding 57% of Cabinet positions and 38.5% of parliamentary seats.

These achievements, she noted, have been realized under the historic leadership of H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s President, whose administration has prioritized inclusion, participation, and the advancement of women across all sectors. Hon. Matundu also underscored Namibia’s pioneering role in the adoption and implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.

The meeting featured global leaders including H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, who announced a USD 10 million contribution to support UN Women’s initiatives, and H.E. Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, who urged nations to accelerate efforts to achieve the goals of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

Namibia’s participation reflected its unwavering commitment to gender equity and its ongoing efforts to ensure women continue to lead and influence national and international development agendas.