MVA Fund scoops 2017 African Gender Award

WINDHOEK, 14 JUN  – The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund received the 2017 Award on African Gender from the Gender is My Agenda Campaign (GIMAC) Network in recognition of its commitment towards achieving gender equality in Namibia.
The award was presented during a recent State Banquet held in the capital.
MVA’s Corporate Affairs Chief, Surihe Gaomas-Guchu in a media release issued Wednesday explained that generally, women face a lot of challenges in their personal and professional lives, which at times affect their performance both at home and work.
She said in order to address these issues, the fund launched the Women’s Network in April 2015 to empower its female workforce to grow in various areas of their lives. These could be financially, spiritually or professionally, while inspiring women to share what they have learnt and support each other in the process.
As part of its corporate social responsibility, MVA Fund supports conferences aimed at inspiring women to realise their worth by sending its female workforce to attend such conferences.
“Even though the focus is to provide equal opportunities to all employees, special emphasis is afforded to women, owing to unfavourable past social disparities faced by those in minorities such as women,” Gaomas-Guchu added.
These efforts are further in line with Government efforts of improving the status of women in society and eradicating injustices of the past as enshrined in the Affirmative Action (Employment) Act No. 29 of 1998, she said.
The fund currently employs 109 women of whom three are in executive leadership positions, three in senior management and 22 in middle management portfolios.
Its five-member board of directors is also comprised of two females.
Comprising about 55 national and international organisations, the GIMAC aims to create a space for civil society to monitor the implementation of the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa. It also brings together African and international women to share experiences and lessons on current issues related to gender in the economic, social and political spheres.
(NAMPA)
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