The Deputy Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare, Bernadette Jagger, has called for more investment in women's leadership for a more just and equal society.

Jagger says there is a need for dialogue and to map out responsive ways to uplift women.

Bernadette Jagger also invited state-owned enterprises and the private sector to equally heed the call to invest in the empowerment of women.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted Namibia's progress in women's empowerment, pointing out the areas of economy, education, and politics.

Namibia currently stands at 44.3% with women's empowerment, while 31.6% of ministerial positions are occupied by women.

Also speaking at the celebration of the International Women's Day event at 7 de Laan Soccer Field in Windhoek's Otjomuise location was United Nations Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo, who noted that an increase in women in leadership roles, particularly in the finance and business sectors, will drive investments in policies. 

Phororo says that empowering women goes beyond finances and includes access to land, information, technology, security, and jobs.

She reminded the audience that the world is not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030. She urged authorities to act with urgency to reach the target of Sustainable Development Goal number 5.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor, the chairperson of the |Khomas Regional Council, John Moonde, asked the government and SOEs to re-look at their budget expenditures and see if they were responsive to the challenges faced by women in society.

He reiterates the importance of investing in women, saying such investment is a human rights issue.