Luanda: The Speaker of the Angolan National Assembly, Carolina Cerqueira, on Monday underscored the significant governmental experience of her Namibian counterpart, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila. Cerqueira emphasized that Kuugongelwa-Amadhila's role could greatly enhance the participation of both men and women in leadership and governance, reinforcing commitment to their respective parliamentary agendas.

According to Angola Press News Agency, in a congratulatory message marking Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila's election as Speaker of the Namibian Parliament, Cerqueira highlighted the critical importance of women's political engagement. She emphasized that such participation is a fundamental human right crucial for advancing justice, gender equality, and sustainable development.

Cerqueira expressed hope that Kuugongelwa-Amadhila's leadership would inspire more women in the region to engage actively in the pursuit of gender equality and representation in decision-making bodies. The message noted that her election serves as a significant indicator of gender parity within the Southern African Development Community - Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) and Africa at large, encouraging further advocacy for women's participation in parliaments globally.

The message also aligned with the parliamentary perspective of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, which calls for inclusive and equal representation of women in decision-making, as outlined in general recommendation No. 40 of 2024.

Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila was elected on Sunday as the first female Speaker of the Namibian Parliament following the November 2024 elections, succeeding Peter Katjavivi. Born in Okahao on October 12, 1967, she has been a National Assembly member since 1995, serving as Minister of Finance from 2003 to 2015 and as Prime Minister from 2015 to 2025.

She is affiliated with the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), the ruling party in Namibia since the nation's independence on March 21, 1990.