Dr. Job Amupanda, activist in chief of the Affirmative Repositioning Movement, has criticised the current maternity leave policies in the country, describing them as a form of ‘punishment against women’ for giving birth. 

Despite the government's efforts for women's empowerment, Dr. Amupanda argues that the existing maternity leave arrangements are unfair and disadvantageous to women.

Dr. Amupanda points out the fact that under current regulations, a woman earning a salary of N$30,000 per month is reduced to N$15,000—50% of her salary—during maternity leave, despite contributing to social security every month. He compares this to other forms of insurance, such as car insurance or life cover, where full payouts are expected in the event of a claim. He questions why women on maternity leave should not receive their full salaries for three months.

Dr. Amupanda further emphasises that "even in capitalist countries, where similar injustices might be expected, maternity leave benefits are often more generous, with some offering up to six months of leave."

He expresses disappointment that despite Namibia having a female Vice President, Prime Minister, and a significant representation of women in parliament, the law has not changed to support full maternity leave benefits.

Dr. Amupanda has called on the government in Parliament to take action and change the law to ensure that women receive their full salaries during maternity leave.

He made the remarks on his social media platforms.

In November last year, Winnie Moongo, a member of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) in the National Assembly, tabled a motion that called for five months of maternity leave with full pay and the introduction of paternity leave in Namibia. 

The motion also included the suggestion that maternity leave should be subject to an actuarial valuation. In response, Namibian Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila announced that the government would consider the motion and that investigations into paternity leave were already underway.