Women's empowerment is pivotal to creating systematic change and breaking down barriers that women face in accessing finance.

The United Nations has themed this year's Women's Day, 'Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress' placing a strong focus on addressing economic disempowerment. 

Women are often described as the backbone of society, while another goes, 'Give a woman a dollar, and she will multiply it."

Yet the realities on the ground suggest that gender inequality remains entrenched in some societies across the globe, and Namibia is no exception. 

The 2023 Status of Women in Namibia report points to a country facing persistent challenges in addressing gender disparities and advancing financial inclusion. 

While legislation supports gender equality in the workplace, women still encounter marginalisation.

Namibia is developing an integrated national financing framework to mobilise and leverage financing for the implementation of the UN SDGs.

The UNFPA's Erika Goldson spoke on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator to Namibia, Hopolang Phororo.

Investing in women accelerates progress, reinforces the global commitment to promote gender equality, empowers women and girls, and ensures their right to healthier lives.

Although the Namibian woman is socio-politically liberated, more needs to be done to achieve economic emancipation.