Women’s Voices: Plural, Varied, Amplified
The Maputo Protocol “places a moral obligation on African UnionMember States to promote equal opportunities formen and women to play meaningful roles in society,” according to the Women, `Gender and Development Directorate of the African Union Commission. In the 18 years since Namibia has signed the Maputo Protocol, it has rarely been mentioned by our leaders, or by anyone talking about gender equality, despite signing on to this moral obligation…. Keep Reading
– Article taken from our partners at Blog4SDG’s I am Georges, I was called “Lady” and I am going to tell you what happened inside my head. On March 8th 2021, I went out for a ride with my Suzuki motorbike as I like to do when I have some free time. That day I took the direction of Katutura and wanted to visit the open air market. On my… Keep Reading
– Thembi Kandanga Women have come a long way in gaining and maintaining their financial autonomy, but the playing field is far from level. A woman’s ability to make decisions about their money – this is the premise of financial autonomy for women. I truly believe that can only be achieved through financial literacy for young girls and women. Focusing literacy efforts on girls in high school and university is… Keep Reading
– Nghidimondjila Hashikutuva On 11 June 2020, psychological counsellor and activist Beauty Boois started a petition on change.org, demanding the legalisation of abortion on demand in Namibia, and the liberalisation of abortion laws in the country. However, despite its success (the petition received over 60,000 signatures in less than a month), and the extensive nationwide debate on reproductive rights and justice that followed, Namibia still has not seen any legal… Keep Reading
– Namupa Shivute Over two years ago, I made the decision to work from home. The main reason was to liberate myself from the anti-black and anti-queer spaces of full-time employment. My top priorities were restoring my mental and spiritual health, getting plenty of rest and most excitedly spending more time with my wonderful children. What I did not expect is how this decision would considerably alter the way I… Keep Reading
– Frieda Ndeutala Kaunapawa Mukufa Coming from a black household that is deeply Christian and is highly embedded into culture and tradition, the topic of abortion is a no go at the table of discussion. It is often shunned upon to even fathom the idea that a woman should feel the need and choose to terminate a pregnancy because she feels like it. With this practice, comes the imprisonment of… Keep Reading
– Beatrice Schultz “I can’t concentrate in class because I worry about him: how he is, if he has eaten, if he is ok…” Books clutched to her chest, head down, walking through the corridors hoping not to be seen. The teachers don’t see her, her peers laugh and avoid her. Suddenly she has become a sign of shame in the school. Everyday is a challenge to make it to… Keep Reading
– By Agnes Yeboah Gender diversity in the workplace is not a big ask. It is a small and simple goal. It is the basic ambition of having an equal number of men and women in an organisation. Also known as gender parity, it can specifically be defined as having an equal number of men and women hired at a similar rate, compensated equally for the same job, and given… Keep Reading
– Bertha Tobias “Without community, there is no liberation.” Poet warrior and feminist Audre Lorde’s sentiment speaks to the power of communities to actualise significant socio-cultural changes. Lorde’s statement reminds us that community is responsible for culture and, by extension, the ways in which it governs our everyday lives. More often than not, culture shapes our worldviews and decides our perceptions long before we have the chance to do so… Keep Reading
– Martha Mukaiwa The story of the Covid-19 pandemic is one the world is still writing. For the most part, we are familiar with the main characters, plot points and life-saving weapons. The deadly virus that has resulted in over 160 million confirmed cases and 3.3 million deaths. The exhausted and haunted healthcare workers constantly pleading with the world to stay home, protect themselves and others. The sanitizers, masks, vaccines… Keep Reading
– Martha Mukaiwa When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, *Diamond, a domestic worker in Swakopmund, was relieved to have another way to earn an income during Namibia’s prolonged lockdown. In 2017, she had augmented her wages as a hotel housekeeper and part-time domestic worker with the sale of dried fish. Diamond returned to this trade as her various employers, fearful of the virus, sent her home. “My dear, you have to… Keep Reading
– Alna Dall Stromeyer Many theories exist that try to explain the root causes of GBSV. Some argue that the perpetrators of GBSV are dysfunctional, angry, psychopathic men: these are the monsters of our society who prey on the weak. The problem with this theory is that it exonerates all the men who might have violent tendencies but who do not have the guts or the opportunity to exercise them…. Keep Reading
