- Sakeus Iikela
During its first session in Windhoek on Tuesday, the 8th Rural Women Parliament elected Honourable Maria Mwala from Kavango East Region as the new Chairperson.
Following her election, Mwala presided over the election of other office-bearers.
Honourable Simon Nunyango from //Kharas Region was elected vice-chairperson and Honourable Bonifatius Kambongela from Khomas Region was elected chief whip.Honourable Diina Klemens from Khomas Region was elected deputy chief whip.In her acceptance speech, Mwala thanked members for their trust and said she accepted the responsibility “with deep humility and unwavering commitment to our shared vision of inclusive, equitable, and sustainable rural development.”
“Together, we will champion the voices of women and men in our communities, advance motions that promote economic empowerment, gender equality, and good governance, and ensure that no one is left behind,” she said.
The session is being held under the theme “Breaking Barriers: Advancing Sustainable Support and Services for Rural Women and Men”.The RWP chair highlighted the challenges faced by rural communities, including limited economic opportunities, essential services, and meaningful participation in governance, but also praised the resilience and potential of women, men, and youth in these communities.
“This Parliament stands as a platform for bold motions on economic empowerment that uplifts households, on gender equality that dismantles harmful norms, on inclusion that ensures no voice is left unheard, and on governance that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to rural realities,” she said.
The session kicked off with a presentation on the motion “Economic Empowerment and Inclusion” by Deputy Minister of Mines, Energy and Industry, Hon. Gaudentia Krohne.
After a question-and-answer session, members unanimously adopted the motion.
RWP is a shadow parliament of the National Council of the Republic of Namibia.
It provides a platform to empower rural women by enabling them and their male partners to debate and discuss matters of national interest that affect their livelihoods.
This week’s session – held under the theme: Breaking Barriers: Advancing Sustainable Support and Services for Rural Women and Men – brings together 42 participants from all 14 regions.
Of these, 14 are men, participating alongside their female counterparts to promote consensus-building and joint solutions.
