Namibians have been urged to be their brother's keepers and show compassion when addressing social issues, particularly those affecting men's mental health.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says Namibia has closed more than 80% of its gender gap, reaffirming the country's commitment to advancing women's empowerment.

According to the latest World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report, Namibia ranks first in Africa and eighth worldwide.

The Eighth Rural Women's Parliament commenced today under the theme, Breaking Barriers to Economic Inclusion: Advancing Sustainable Support and Opportunities for Rural Women and Men.

Vice President Lucia Witbooi officially opened the 8th Session of the Rural Women's Parliament with Men as Partners.

In her address, she urged participants to focus their discussions on the pressing issue of gender-based violence, which she described as a growing concern in society.

The Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Emma Kantema, says the ministry aims to ensure that the boy child is not left behind in economic empowerment.

Dr. Kantema was speaking at the launch of the Unmasking Postnatal Depression book over the weekend. 

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Health, and Social Welfare, during its workshop in Otjiwarongo, has heard that men are also victims of gender-based violence, saying there is a need for the government to provide physical, emotional, and social well-being to all Namibians.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for strategies aimed at achieving gender balance, inclusive of both the girl and boy child across all sectors. 

Speaker of the National Assembly, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, has said that women's leadership is not only a necessity but also a crucial element for sustainable development and inclusive democracy.

Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi is calling for more support for boys and men affected by gender-based violence. 

The governor said it is time to create safe spaces where they can speak out, be heard, and begin to heal.

The EntrepenHER programme has empowered over a thousand women microentrepreneurs with core business skills to grow their businesses. 

Implemented in 2018, the initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, De Beers Group and UN Women.