The Swapo Party Otjozondjupa Regional Coordinator, Imms Namaseb, says although the party has made great strides in terms of 50/50 representation, there are still critical areas where women need to fully participate, including innovation and technology.

He said this will help close the gap in gender inequality across the board. Namaseb was addressing the opening of a one-day workshop for the Swapo Women's Council at Otjiwarongo. He said women continue to face discrimination and violence and unequal access to technology, finance, employment, and decision-making platforms, fueled by cultural and social norms.

"Women are not equal to men. We have to bridge that gap. I think Swapo has been successful in bridging that gap, getting closer and closer. Gender with gender. If there are two positions in Swapo, one should be a man and one must be a woman. Therefore, SPWC has to and shall play a critical role in ensuring that women are considered the key segment of our society to enhance discourse on gender justice dialogue."

Namaseb challenged the workshop attendees to find strategies and initiatives that will gear women towards empowerment and equal footing.

"You are incredible; you are 'amazing; you are the strength of SPWC; you are the future of the Swapo Party and Namibia. Though there may be obstacles in your path, don't be discouraged. Use them as stepping stones to leap forward on your path. Believe in yourself and your abilities; don't be afraid to take risks; learn from every opportunity.

Sylvia Mundjindi, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Project Manager, said the federation partnered with the women's council to promote gender equality.

"We see female political leaders on a national level, and that's because of the 50/50 policy of Swapo, and that's quite a big milestone, and FES has also contributed to that. I know that Maria Tusi was one of them when we were doing all these regional workshops to promote the issue of gender equality and 50/50 so that women are also leading so that they can effect change within society. They say you educate women; you educate a whole nation."

The workshop was aimed at enhancing discourse on gender justice.