Women's Issues in Namibia

Domestic violence is against the law in Namibia, but it remains widespread. Traditional attitudes about the subordination of women exacerbate problems of sexual and domestic violence. The law prohibits sexual harassment, but it is not uncommon.

The law defines rape in broad terms and provides for the conviction of spousal rape. Penalties for rape range from 5 years to 45 years' imprisonment, and rape convictions are enforced by the government. In some magistrate's courts, special considerations are made to protect vulnerable witnesses from open testimony, including the use of cubicles made of one-way glass, and child-friendly waiting rooms. Namibia has 15 Women and Child Protection Units staffed with police officers trained to assist victims of sexual assault.

The law prohibits discrimination against women, including employment discrimination, but men dominate positions in upper management. The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare and the Employment Equity Commission are responsible for problems involving discrimination in employment, but neither are very effective due to a backlog of cases.

The law prohibits discriminatory practices against women married under civil law but women who marry under customary (traditional) law continue to face legal and cultural discrimination. Traditional practices that permit family members to confiscate the property of deceased men from their widows and children still exist.

The law does not prohibit prostitution.

The Ministry of Gender Equity and Child Welfare is responsible for advocating for women's rights. The Ministry of Justice's Law Reform and Development commission advocates for women's rights in legislation.

Human rights groups active in Namibia

Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare
Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare

Female life expectancy at birth : 42.29 years
Total fertility rate: 3.06 children born/woman
Infant mortality rate: 48.1 deaths/1,000 live births
HIV/AIDS adult prevalence: 21.3%
Literacy: male 84.4%; Female 83.7%
Per capita income: $7,400

According to the UNDP Human Development Report, in Namibia 34.9% of the population lives on $1/day and 55.8% lives on $2/day.

The law enumerates children's rights, particularly in the areas of education and health. The government dedicates approximately 23 percent of its budget for education and 11 percent for health care. However, resource constraints and untrained support staff results in inadequate attention to child welfare.

The constitution provides children with the right to primary and junior secondary education from grades 1-10. However, numerous school fees (including fees for uniforms, books, boarding costs, and school improvement) place a heavy burden on families and preclude some children from attending school. Education is compulsory until age 16, and approximately 95 % of children attend until the 7th grade. Approximately 89% attend school until the 10th grade.

Corporeal punishment is illegal, but the problem is widespread, particularly in rural areas. Child abuse is a serious problem, and authorities vigorously prosecute crimes against children, particularly rape and incest. The law protects children under 18 years of age by criminalizing sexual exploitation, child pornography and child prostitution.

The age of consent is 16 years.

Child prostitution does occur, and parents as well as perpetrators are liable in such cases. The growing number of HIVAIDS orphans increases the vulnerability of children to sexual abuse and exploitation.