Africa-Press – Namibia. MEMBERS of the National Council (NC) yesterday heckled the minister of gender equality, poverty eradication, and social welfare, Doreen Sioka, at a workshop at Swakopmund, who in turn was absolutely furious over the rudeness she said was on display.
The workshop was on capacity building in strengthening gender equality and inclusive governance through the NC.
Sioka was assigning councillors to address the disparity in women’s representation in the NC, which currently stands at six women and 36 men, when male councillors interrupted her.
She said the NC is lagging behind in achieving 50/50 gender representation, upon which some of the men in the audience said “it’s not our issue”, while others were chuckling.
The men continued with conversations on the side while the minister was speaking, prompting her to call them to order.
“I have never experienced this rudeness I am seeing here. I don’t take it at all. If I am talking, you don’t intervene,” she said.
The incident took place in the presence of the minister of justice Yvonne Dausab and guest facilitators from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (Idea).
Sioka said the hackling of women in parliament is common.
“The experience women are facing in the NC is not going to solve the problem to allow women to stand as members of the NC.
“There are many experiences women are facing, but they are not heard in the NC,” Sioka said.
The minister said the gap between genders affects the passing of laws favouring women.
She challenged political parties to amend their constituencies to reach 50/50 gender representation.
Councillor Harald Kambrude of the Rehoboth West Urban constituency expressed disappointment in his fellow NC members for their behaviour towards the minister.
“I am highly disappointed because that is tantamount to bullying. You don’t do that. Not in public. Never,” he said.
Councillor Paulus Mbagu of Rundu Rural constituency also backed Kambrude’s stance.
“It is totally unacceptable. I will go and confront the one who made the interjection,” he said.
Dausab said rules of engagement are always important at events where issues of national interest are discussed.
“Disruption as a general norm is unacceptable. All of us at all times must always give people an opportunity to express themselves freely and express what they feel – regardless of the fact that you may be disagreeing with what they are saying,” she said.
Rumbidzai Kandawasvika-Nhundu, the senior adviser on democracy and inclusivity at Idea applauded the minister’s stance in reprimanding the men.
“I have realised that women who are already in the NC and National Assembly realise the resistance and the pushback there.
“That should not cause women to quit and stop. Actually, that should be an encouragement,” she said.
BILLS TO BE REVIEWED
Sioka at the gathering announced that lawmakers are in the process of reviewing the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977.
The parliament is looking into tightening bail requirements for those accused of gender-based violence(GBV)-related crimes, and is encouraging survivors to actively participate in bail applications.
It is also considering tightening the parole and rehabilitation of offenders under the Correctional Service Act 9 of 2012.
The lawmakers will also review the withdrawal of cases due to intimidation under the Combating of Domestic Violence Act 4 of 2003, as the Witness Protection Act has still not been operationalised.
“I hope when these bills go to the NC they will be receiving the greatest support,” the minister said.
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