Taking pride in being the first and only non-racial, non- profit association, established for the development of female lawyers, the Namibian Women Lawyer Association focuses on identifying and addressing targeted developmental needs for female lawyers.
We found out how and why it was started.
The Association was founded in 2015 under the leadership of Ruth Herunga. It was born out of an extensive survey conducted amongst the female lawyers regarding the status and needs of women in the legal fraternity in Namibia. The survey showed that there was a vacuum and that women in the profession needed mentorship, formal training and guidance in pursing their careers in the legal sphere.
Why a female association?
It’s time. Women lawyers associations exist internationally and the establishment of the Association in Namibia was long overdue. We are a national association with affiliation to both African- and International Women Lawyers Associations. So we answered the call of many women lawyers in the country.
It cannot be ignored that the needs, roles and aspirations of women in the professional sphere differ materially from that of our male counterparts; this is the same in the legal profession.
We have geared ourselves towards promoting the stature and influence of women in Namibia by being a collective vehicle through which we communicate on issues that affect us as women. Through our communication platforms we have developed mechanisms to assist women in the legal profession. Our mentoring and training portfolios have dedicated training sessions and mentoring workshops that develop business confidence in women through networking, education, and mentoring. This process is constantly evolving as our members identify new areas for growth and mentoring and the Executive Committee constantly strives to respond to the needs of the members.
What are some of the challenges faced as female lawyers in Namibia?
From occasional sexism, gender discrimination, prejudice as in other professions are some of the overriding challenges faced.
Taking into account the fact that the legal profession is a previously male dominated profession, there are certain challenges which remain in this regard, often relating to prejudice or pre-conceived notions of the skills, ability and dedication of female attorneys. However the fact that our courts are filled with many female attorneys who continue to grow and improve the profession is proof of the strides taken in addressing such challenges.
In the corporate front there remains the concept of “male dominated board rooms”. Contributions of women being misconstrued as to being from an emotional viewpoint. Young women lawyers often being employed as secretaries or paralegals.
We do however acknowledge that women have a role to play in breaking the stereotypes and the patriarchal notions that have made their way into the professional sphere.
Is inequality/gender parity an issue as it is in other professions?
Gender parity is a reality in every sphere, even in the legal profession. It is well known that despite women’s entrance into law school in relatively equal number to men, they remain significantly under-represented in positions of leadership and power across sectors of the profession.
Although women have broken the glass ceiling and are now in some leading positions, we believe that continued support and guidance for our younger generation is necessary to reach true equality.
The association is well on its way; in conjunction with its strategic partners and through campaigns such as the Be Free Campaign with the First Lady of the Republic of Namibia to address the issue of inequality/ gender parity as it relates to the Namibian girl child.
How does the association advocate for gender equality?
The association has a membership of 400 women lawyers from various cultures and backgrounds who are coming together to empower each other. We have joined forces as professionals and taken on projects to bring social transformation in our communities, so that women and men will be seen to be of equal worth and value. We are closely linked to the One Economy Foundation and we provide free legal advice and services to indigent and vulnerable members of society.
NWLA ran a “Drop a Can” initiative where small grocery parcels were delivered to the homeless and less privileged within the Windhoek informal settlements. During 2017 the association “adopted” Baby Emilia Shisande as part of their social responsibility projects. They raised funds and provided her monthly supplies, clothing and bought her a new bed. The next initiative is to help build a house for her and her mother.
When we share our experiences and interests as women we become a more powerful collective that can effectively encourage social transformation and break down stereotypes related to women.
We provide mentorship to our junior members, provide training to up and coming lawyers on various topics and where positions are vacant within any organization we immediately bring this to the attention of our ladies and encourage them to apply.
How does one become a part of it?
The association’s membership is comprised of women lawyers, thus anyone in possession of a law degree from a recognized institution of higher learning can approach the association for membership. We also allow final year students and students that are in their justice training year of study to join the association. Readers can simply follow the cursors on the website www.namibianwomenlawyers.com to sign up.
Any members of the public can follow the Association on Twitter at: @Nwlawomen
Website: www.namibianwomenlawyers.com
Facebook: Namibian Women Lawyers Association
Our members come from different walks of life, but we share common beliefs, and a dedication to the growth of the female lawyer in the economic, social and possible political sphere.
Plans..
We will continue to render the services expected from our membership as it relates to mentorship, training, networking and empowerment for women lawyers however we are geared towards engaging industry- and government stakeholders to find wider recognition within the country.
The principle objectives of the Association are to advocate for the empowerment of women in the legal profession and provide leadership and a collective voice to advance the interests of women to that end we have created platforms to discuss, mentor and connect female lawyers throughout the country.
NWLA wants to cement their footprint in our communities with lawyers stationed all over the country doing pro bono work.
We want to change the perception that lawyers are greedy and private lawyers are only for the rich.
They have training sessions scheduled with advocates from the Society of Advocates to prepare lawyers entering the profession.
Our main focus for the year is strengthening our involvement with our UNAM students, doing more guest lectures, training, motivational talks at schools.
They are also involved with the current Debate Competition involving 24 schools.
We started last year with the Minister of Health/ Mines and Energy at Dobra Secondary School.
Among other things…
We provided recommendations for legislative changes in Draft Bill for Amendments to Sexual Reproductive Health legislation, Divorce Draft Bill.
We are also still busy with anti-violence awareness campaign with 99FM , addressing issues such as Maintenance, Domestic Violence, Rape etc (broadcasted every week for 6 months)
Our dedicated EXCO members are: Ruth Herunga, Stephanie de Klerk, Hinasha Mbudje, Mia Swart Kellerman, Alvine Samuel, Alethea Borman, Emilia Nehale, Anielle von Finckenstein, Saveria Nikanor, Petrine Hango, Eva Kanyemba.
Main image: Some of the members of the association.
Follow the NWLA on Twitter
