The Labour Act, Act No. 11 of 2007, makes explicit provision for maternity
benefits. It outlaws discrimination in workplaces on the basis of pregnancy
and HIV and AIDS status, and prohibits sexual harassment.
The National Land Policy of 1998 has been adopted to among others
provide for equal access of women to land. This policy inspired the
enactment of the Communal Land Reform Act, as well as the Commercial
Land Reform Act. Women who are applicants for land allocation are given
preference in terms of this policy.
34.
Administrative Measures
The Government created the MGECW to promote women’s rights and to make
sure that women are involved in all Government related activities. The
Ministry has Gender Liaison Officers in all the regions of the country who
disseminate information, including to rural areas, to promote legal literacy
and to sensitize traditional leaders and the community at large on gender
equality.
In Parliament, women representation is 27%, and 12% in the Regional
Councils and 42% in the Local Authority Councils.
All Ministries in government have appointed gender focal persons to liaise
with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare to ensure efficient
gender mainstreaming.
In terms of the Affirmative Action (Employment) Act, employers are required
to submit affirmative action plans. The affirmative action plans are intended
to raise fair employment practices with regard to matters such as
recruitment, selection, appointment, training, promotion, and equitable
remuneration for previously disadvantaged people. Women have been
identified as a previously disadvantaged group.
35.
ARTICLE 3: AND 4 THE RIGHT TO DIGNITY, LIFE, INTEGRITY AND
SECURITY
Article 8 of the Namibian Constitution provides that the dignity of all persons
shall be inviolable. In addition, the promotion and protection of women’s
dignity and rights are regulated and protected by the Combating of Domestic
Violence Act, Act No. 4 of 2003; Combating of Immoral Practices Amendment
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