Namibia's first female president is Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah

Windhoek, Namibia – In a landmark moment for Namibia and the African continent, the nation elected its first female president during the 2024 presidential elections, breaking longstanding barriers and signaling a new chapter in its political history.

The election of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, a seasoned leader and advocate for gender equality, marks a significant milestone in the fight for representation and inclusivity in governance.

At 72, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah represents the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) party, Namibia’s ruling political group since the country’s independence in 1990. Nandi-Ndaitwah, who previously served as Namibia’s Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, won 57% of the vote, defeating her closest rival, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), who garnered 25.5%​.

Namibia Leads in advancing Gender Equality in Politics

Namibia has once again shown that it can be done! electing more women in key political dockets. The election of its first female president underscores the country’s broader commitment to advancing gender parity, particularly in political representation.

The nation has consistently ranked among the top in Africa for women’s inclusion in parliament, with women holding nearly 44% of seats as of 2023. This achievement is largely attributed to progressive gender policies, including SWAPO’s 50/50 gender representation framework, which ensures equal opportunities for women in leadership positions. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory builds on this foundation, inspiring further efforts to bridge gender gaps and empower women across all sectors of society​.

Namibia has made significant strides in advancing gender parity with the historic election of its first female president, complementing its sustained efforts to boost women’s representation in parliament. Currently, women occupy 44.23% of parliamentary seats in Namibia, placing it among Africa’s leading nations for gender-inclusive governance. This milestone highlights Namibia’s dedication to the principles of equality and inclusivity, supported by initiatives that encourage women’s participation in leadership roles.

In comparison, Kenya has lagged behind, with women occupying approximately 23.28% of seats in its national parliament as of 2023. Efforts to implement the constitutionally mandated two-thirds gender rule have faced resistance, with multiple legislative proposals failing to gain sufficient political support.

Kenya’s women representatives, introduced to enhance gender representation, have seen mixed impacts, with ongoing debates about their effectiveness and relevance in addressing broader gender equity issues. Additionally, systemic barriers such as electoral violence, financial disparities, and deeply entrenched patriarchal norms continue to limit women’s participation in leadership roles in Kenya​

Namibia’s achievement provides a valuable case study for Kenya, underscoring the need for political will, effective quotas, and societal support to bridge the gender gap in governance.

A Win for Gender Equality in Africa

Namibia’s historic election follows a growing trend across Africa, where more women are stepping into leadership roles. From Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, the continent is witnessing a gradual shift toward female empowerment in political spaces traditionally dominated by men.

Namibia’s decision to elect a female president reflects a society increasingly willing to embrace gender diversity in leadership.

“This victory is not just mine but belongs to every Namibian woman who dares to dream,” said the newly elected president in her acceptance speech. “Together, we are proving that the barriers of the past can be dismantled, and that leadership is not defined by gender but by vision, values, and the will to serve.” she added.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Journey to Victory

The road to this historic moment was far from easy. Netumbo Nandi faced significant challenges, including societal prejudices, entrenched patriarchal norms, and a highly competitive political landscape.

However, her campaign struck a chord with many Namibians, focusing on issues such as economic growth, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and gender equality.

Her message of inclusive leadership resonated with voters across all demographics, especially women and young people, who saw her as a symbol of hope and progress. According to analysts, her victory was propelled by a strong grassroots movement and her ability to connect with ordinary citizens.

What This Means for Namibia

Female leadership has been touted to be essential for diversity and  development. Namibia’s election of a female president is not just symbolic; it has the potential to drive real change. With her extensive background in public service and a reputation for transparency, the new president is expected to prioritize key reforms, including:

Economic Equity: Closing the gender pay gap and creating opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Education and Healthcare: Expanding access to quality education and healthcare, particularly for marginalized communities.

Youth Empowerment: Investing in programs that address high youth unemployment and provide training for the next generation of leaders.

Climate Action: Implementing policies to protect Namibia’s unique ecosystems while fostering sustainable development.

Many experts believe her leadership could strengthen Namibia’s position as a regional model for progressive governance and gender inclusivity.

The Ripple Effect Across Africa

Namibia’s election of its first female president is likely to inspire similar movements across the continent. In many African countries, women remain underrepresented in politics, despite their active participation in grassroots movements and civil society. By electing a woman to its highest office, Namibia sends a powerful message that gender should not be a barrier to leadership.

“This victory is a reminder that Africa is ready for change,” said a political analyst. “It challenges other nations to rethink the role of women in governance and to create systems that allow for true representation.”

A New Era of Leadership
The election is a turning point not only for Namibia but for the broader global movement toward gender equality. It is a testament to the resilience of women who, despite systemic challenges, continue to break glass ceilings and reshape narratives.

As Namibia’s first female president prepares to take office, the world watches with great anticipation. Her leadership will undoubtedly come with its own set of challenges, but her victory has already paved the way for future generations of women to dream bigger and aim higher.

In the words of one jubilant supporter: “She represents all of us. Her win is our win, and her journey is our inspiration. Namibia is rising.”