Home Southern Africa Late Namibian President Sam Nujoma Hailed as Pioneer of Women’s Rights

Southern Africa

Late Namibian President Sam Nujoma Hailed as Pioneer of Women’s Rights

February 16, 2025

(3 Minutes Read)

The Founding President played a role in advancing gender equality during the liberation struggle and in the post-independence era. His assertive leadership was instrumental in shaping Namibia’s progressive policies on gender equality, ensuring that women were actively involved in politics, education, and economic development.

The late Founding President, His Excellency Sam Nujoma, was a pioneer for women’s rights and gender equality, according to people close to him and activists.

He did not merely talk about it, he lived it. His stalwart and visionary leadership laid a strong foundation for the first female President-Elect who will soon be sworn in as the fourth president of the Republic of Namibia.

His contributions to gender equality can be seen in several ways. He encouraged the setting up of the SWAPO Women’s Council in 1969, which mobilized women to fight for Namibia’s independence. He ensured that Namibia’s Constitution was drafted with strong provisions for gender equality. Moreover, during his presidency (1990-2005), the Founding President appointed women to key government positions.

Additionally, under his leadership, Namibia passed laws to protect women’s rights: such as the Married Persons Equality Act (1996), which abolished the legal authority of husbands over their wives, the Combating of Rape Act (2000), and the Domestic Violence Act (2003), which strengthened protection for women against abuse.