Women’s Voices: Plural, Varied, Amplified
On Saturday morning, around 30 community members, activists, artists and supporters gathered outside the Sister Namibia office in Windhoek for the unveiling of a new Pride Month mural inspired by a line from Namibia’s national anthem: “Hold high the banners of liberty.” For a few minutes before the unveiling, the mural itself remained hidden behind a giant Pride flag stretched across the wall. Then, as the flag was lowered, the… Keep Reading
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of the Free State (UFS) found that sanitary pads and pantyliners sold in South Africa contained endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including phthalates, parabens and bisphenols. Every sanitary pad and liner tested contained at least two of these chemicals, raising concerns about long-term exposure and reproductive health risks. We often say when South Africa sneezes, we catch a cold across the region. So the… Keep Reading
Public healthcare in Namibia is not perfect. It is stretched and under-resourced, but also staffed by people who are trying. to provide care, often within tight systems. These are things I wish more patients knew before walking into a clinic or hospital for reproductive health concerns. Firstly, you are entitled to respectful care. Something I often tell family members and friends is to ask questions, lots of questions. You have… Keep Reading
Severe period pain is often dismissed the world over. What makes the Namibian context even more jarring is that not only do we have an under diagnosis problem as a continent, the discussion around what constitutes severe period pain is also had in a vacuum in the mainstream. As a result, women are being told to simply endure or growing up being told that it is “normal”. But pain that… Keep Reading
My experience of the maintenance system in Namibia is not the one most often told. I am employed. I earn a decent income. I own my home and my car, and I have a strong social support network. The father of my child is also employed and earns significantly more than I do. He pays maintenance regularly, on time, every month. On the surface, this might sound like a success… Keep Reading
Data is essential. It is responsible for painting a clear picture that depicts the type of condition a country is in. With a clearer image of the state the nation, the government can use data as a key tool in their approach to policy making and strategy. It is extremely difficult to address issues or implement strategies with any ounce of accuracy in the absence of relevant and current data…. Keep Reading
Have you ever wondered about the history of LGBTQI+ rights in Namibia, or been confused about exactly which laws affect the LGBTQI+ community? Have you ever picked up a newspaper or gone online and wished that Namibian media found more effective ways to cover the community’s struggle for basic human rights? Look no further: @nidteam recently published The Namibian House: Building Inclusive Spaces for LGBTQIA+ Persons – a comprehensive document… Keep Reading
It took 34 years for Namibia to produce political leaders willing to stand publicly for the rights of LGBTQI+ people. Last month, independent presidential candidate Rosa Namises and the All People’s Party (APP) became the first to vocally support same-sex marriage and equal rights. In 2024, where acknowledgement and acceptance of different gender identities and sexual orientations are so widespread, this may not seem groundbreaking. [Editor’s note: Rosa Namises is… Keep Reading
The results are in – Namibians are ready to cast their ballots in November’s Presidential and National Assembly elections. While voter registration has been a concern in past elections, 91 percent of eligible voters registered in the two month window. While this news is certainly heartening, the real uphill battle begins now. It is notable that, at present, none of the political parties contesting these elections have released a manifesto…. Keep Reading
The Namibian Constitution was ratified on the 9th of February 1990 and came into effect 40 days later, on the 21st of March 1990–Namibia’s first Independence Day. The Constitution was drafted after the first free parliamentary elections, which were held between the 7th and the 11th of November 1989. Before 1978, only white people were eligible to vote or run for political office. After that, while political parties representing indigenous… Keep Reading
On the morning of the 21st of June 2024, journalists, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies stood in line outside The High Court of Namibia on Fonnie Karuaihe Street in Windhoek. The street–previously known as Luderitz Street–perhaps stood as symbolic foreshadowing for the decolonizing on the horizon inside the court as people stood outside with placards reading “Decolonize My Sexuality”. After security checks at the reception, everyone hastily… Keep Reading
In November, Namibians will head to the polls for the eighth time in the country’s democratic history. This is a time for reflection, a time to assess the actions of our leaders and the promises being made by those vying for our votes. But, time and time again, election years become a fertile breeding ground for opportunistic politicians and public figures. Those contesting for political positions try to find something… Keep Reading
