Ncamagoro: The Ncamagoro community joined the global community to commemorate the belated International Women's Day here on Friday, renewing commitments to gender equality, legal protection, and access to justice for women and girls.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Kavango West Governor Verna Sinimbo emphasized that this year's theme, 'Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,' requires practical steps to eliminate discriminatory laws, policies, and practices. She stressed the importance of moving rights from theoretical frameworks to tangible actions through enforcement, survivor-centered services, and inclusive systems.

Sinimbo highlighted the 2026 findings by the United Nations (UN), which indicated that no country has fully closed legal gaps, noting that women possess only 64 percent of the legal rights that men enjoy. This, she asserted, necessitates urgent action to ensure that every woman and girl can access justice without delay. Despite these challenges, Namibia's progress is notable. The 2025 Global Gender Gap Index shows that the country has closed 81.1 percent of its gender gap, ranking eighth globally and first in Sub-Saharan Africa, with full parity in Health and Survival and Educational Attainment.

In terms of political representation, women hold 57 percent of Cabinet posts across key portfolios and about 38.5 percent of parliamentary seats. Education outcomes for girls are strong, particularly in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The governor emphasized that interventions should also address boys' underperformance, stating, 'Our interventions must uplift all children. No girl or boy should be left behind.'

On the economic front, Sinimbo noted that women are actively engaged in formal employment, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), agricultural value chains, and entrepreneurship. However, more than 70 percent of informal traders are women, especially young women, highlighting the need for greater economic inclusion.

To combat gender-based violence (GBV), Sinimbo outlined efforts by authorities, including the establishment of 17 GBV Protection Units and specialized courts, expanded police training, and engagement with traditional and religious leaders to address harmful practices. 'Our zero tolerance must be matched by implementation and enforcement,' Sinimbo concluded. 'When systems protect everyone, equality becomes a reality.'