Geneva- The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Namibia, Hon. Dr. Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, held a bilateral meeting with her Australian counterpart, Hon. Milton Dick, MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Australia, on the sideline of the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva.
The discussions focused on gender equality, inclusive governance, and strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation between the two nations. Both Speakers highlighted progress made in advancing women’s representation in politics and shared experiences on gender-responsive budgeting and policy implementation.
The Australian Speaker noted that Australia has achieved 50 percent female representation in Cabinet and Parliament and continues to promote women’s leadership and cultural diversity across its political institutions. Hon. Dick commended Namibia’s gender policy, consistent leadership and women empowerment.
On her part, Hon. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila shared Namibia’s journey toward gender parity and her own trailblazing leadership path as the country’s first female Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and now Speaker of the National assembly. She emphasised the importance of translating political representation into real empowerment and measurable outcomes for women across sectors.
The two sides agreed to strengthen collaboration in gender budgeting, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and exchange of best practices through the IPU and other parliamentary networks.
The meeting also addressed shared concerns on gender-based violence, the gender pay gap, and the need to support small and developing states in global decision-making forums.
The engagement concluded in a spirit of mutual respect and partnership, reaffirming the commitment of both parliaments to work together in advancing gender equality, democratic governance, and social inclusion.
