AR MP Fredrick Shitana welcomed the adjustments but questioned why men are left out regarding paternity leave.

The Minister of Justice and Labour Relations, Immanuel, has announced the revised benefits on key changes to the Maternity, Sick Leave and Death Fund to strengthen support for workers effective 1st of October.

Discussion on the national budget shifted to analysing the Appropriation Bill's responsiveness to gender and youth concerns during a public engagement hosted by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, the Youth Leadership Programme, and the Trade Union Congress of Namibia. 

The National Assembly is considering ratifying the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention on Maternity Protection, which could greatly benefit working mothers and their families.

Civil servants on maternity leave will now receive their full salaries.

Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) MP Winnie Moongo has tabled a motion that seeks to extend maternity leave and introduces the concept of paternity leave in a bid to strengthen family bonds and support newborns' health.