Namibia’s president calls for reparative justice to address historical injustices against African women

Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Saturday underscored the urgent need to address the historical injustices faced by African women through reparative justice frameworks.

Speaking during the 63rd Pan-African Women's Day celebrations in Windhoek, Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed that such frameworks are essential to confronting the enduring legacies of colonialism, slavery, apartheid, and imperialist exploitation—all of which have disproportionately affected African women and communities.

She noted that Namibia took a step toward reparative justice 19 years ago when Parliament passed a motion urging Germany to recognise its colonial-era genocide and provide reparations. Since then, the government has continued to engage in negotiations with Germany, in partnership with representatives from the affected communities.

“Women often bear the brunt of economic instability, lack of access to quality education, and gender-based violence,” she said, adding that empowering women and girls through education, healthcare, and economic opportunity is key to realising social justice.

The president also reaffirmed Namibia’s solidarity with the Saharawi people, urging the United Nations to implement its resolutions on Western Sahara’s right to self-determination.

She further called for stronger advocacy by women’s organisations, the ratification and implementation of African Union gender protocols, and greater attention to youth mental health and peace-building efforts.

Pan-African Women's Day commemorates the establishment of the Pan-African Women's Organisation in 1962, now recognised as a specialised agency of the African Union.

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• Africa
• historical injustices
• Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
• reparative justice
• African women
• Pan-African Women's Day
• Namibia’s president calls for reparative justice to address historical injustices against African women
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