Namibia has ratified a convention of workers with family responsibilities.

 Convention 156 applies to men and women workers with responsibilities in relation to their dependent children and their immediate families, where such responsibilities restrict their possibilities of preparing for, entering, participating in or advancing in economic activity.

 The Convention aims to enable work and family life by promoting measures that accommodate family needs in employment policies, enhancing the protection and support for workers balancing professional and family responsibilities.

 This in practical terms means both mothers and fathers cannot be discriminated against in hiring, promotion, or retention because of their caregiving duties, reducing the perception that only women must choose between work and family.

Permanent Representative of Namibia to Switzerland and the United Nations, Julia Imene-Chanduru says the ratification of the convention highlights Namibia's dedication to building an inclusive society.

 Ambassador Imene-Chanduru describes the adoption of the instrument as a significant step for Namibia in reinforcing the protection of workers with family responsibilities, aligning with international standards.

 She explains that the ratification affirms Namibia's commitment to advancing social justice, promoting gender equality and enabling family-friendly workplace policies.

 Namibia is not starting from scratch, as there are already laws embedded in the Constitution and the Labour Act.