Women's representation in parliament worldwide has increased slightly from 26.5% to 26.9% this year. 

These statistics were collected after over 60 parliaments in 52 countries held their parliamentary elections in 2023. 

The sub-Saharan Africa region accounts for the third highest, at over 27%. 

According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), electoral quotas have been instrumental in improving women's representation, with over 28% of women elected having come from electoral gender quota systems. 

Namibia has attained a 50-50 gender balance in the National Assembly, the spokesman of the lower house of parliament, Sakeus Kadhikwa, confirmed. 

Kadhikwa marked the achievement as a milestone, as Namibia is the only country so far in Africa that has reached gender balance in parliament.

The development underscores the nation's commitment to promoting inclusivity and equal representation in its political sphere. 

Speaker of the National Assembly, Professor Peter Katjavivi, is leading a Namibian delegation of parliamentarians to the 145th Inter-Parliamentary Union in Kigali, Rwanda.

Professor Katjavivi is accompanied by other IPU members, which includes the Vice Chairperson of the National Council, Victoria Kauma.

Other MPs are Lucia Witbooi, John Likando, Dr Tangeni Iiyambo, Sebastian Karupu, and Josef Kauandenge.

The meeting, which starts tomorrow, ends on Saturday.