Namibia made history in March 2025 by becoming the first country in the world where women simultaneously occupy the top three highest government positions.
This landmark achievement follows the inauguration of:
- President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (since March 21, 2025), who is Namibia’s first female president.
- Vice President Lucia Witbooi.
- Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila (who is also a former Prime Minister).
This transition to an all-female top leadership tier is a major global step for gender equality in governance.
- Global Precedent: Namibia is globally recognized as the first nation to have women in the roles of Head of State (President), Deputy Head of State (Vice President), and Head of the Legislature (Speaker) all at once.
- Wider Representation: The shift extends beyond the top three, as the newly appointed cabinet under President Nandi-Ndaitwah also features a female majority, with over 57% of the ministers being women who hold key portfolios like finance, foreign affairs, and health.
- UN General Assembly Highlight: President Nandi-Ndaitwah proudly highlighted this historic achievement at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) in September 2025. She emphasized that the appointments were based on competence and merit, not solely gender, and affirmed her administration’s commitment to advancing gender equality, tackling gender-based violence, and promoting youth empowerment.
