Windhoek: The United Nations Women (UN Women) Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Anna Mutavati, has cautioned that growing global resistance to gender equality policies threatens progress achieved over the past decades. Mutavati made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare in Windhoek on Thursday, where discussions focused on sustaining gains in women's rights amid funding constraints and shifting global priorities.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Mutavati highlighted a concerning trend of global pushback against gender equality. She noted that in some countries, there is resistance to laws designed to protect women and girls, which poses a significant challenge to the progress made so far. Despite these global challenges, Namibia has been commended for its strong political commitment to gender equality, having closed 81 percent of its gender gap and ranking first in Africa and eighth globally in this area.
Mutavati praised Namibia's achievements and expressed hope that these will lead to tangible improvements in the lives of women and girls. She also addressed concerns about the restructuring of UN Women's South Africa multi-country office, emphasizing that the reorganization aims to enhance efficiency rather than reduce support. 'It is not a withdrawal. It is a reorganisation to ensure we can serve member states better and respond more strategically to emerging priorities,' she explained.
Emma Kantema, Namibia's Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, reaffirmed the government's commitment to safeguarding the progress made in gender equality. 'We remain steadfast in ensuring that gender equality is not reversed. Our policies and programmes are anchored in ensuring that no one is left behind,' she said. Kantema added that Namibia will continue collaborating with UN Women and other development partners to bolster institutional frameworks that protect women's rights and fight gender-based violence.
Mutavati underscored the importance of collaboration between governments and international agencies in countering misinformation and ensuring that gender equality remains a priority in development agendas.