President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for innovative approaches to address persistent gaps holding back the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda.

Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare Dr. Emma Kantema has briefed parliament on the progress of the Right Start programme, a national initiative aimed at improving early childhood development (ECD) in the country.

The Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Emma Kantema, says the ministry is making major contributions to advancing gender equality, empowering women, and safeguarding children's welfare through a series of national programmes.

The Kavango East Region's Income Generating Activity Programme under the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare is underfunded and unable to cover all six constituencies.

The programme aims to empower communities by providing materials and equipment to start or improve their businesses. 

Namibians have been urged to be their brother's keepers and show compassion when addressing social issues, particularly those affecting men's mental health.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says Namibia has closed more than 80% of its gender gap, reaffirming the country's commitment to advancing women's empowerment.

According to the latest World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report, Namibia ranks first in Africa and eighth worldwide.

The Eighth Rural Women's Parliament commenced today under the theme, Breaking Barriers to Economic Inclusion: Advancing Sustainable Support and Opportunities for Rural Women and Men.

Vice President Lucia Witbooi officially opened the 8th Session of the Rural Women's Parliament with Men as Partners.

In her address, she urged participants to focus their discussions on the pressing issue of gender-based violence, which she described as a growing concern in society.

The Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Emma Kantema, says the ministry aims to ensure that the boy child is not left behind in economic empowerment.

Dr. Kantema was speaking at the launch of the Unmasking Postnatal Depression book over the weekend. 

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Health, and Social Welfare, during its workshop in Otjiwarongo, has heard that men are also victims of gender-based violence, saying there is a need for the government to provide physical, emotional, and social well-being to all Namibians.