The Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation

and its Partner Organizations

in Namibia:

Women’s Action for Development (WAD)

Women’s Action for Development (WAD) has been a development programme established and managed through the office of the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation between 1994 and April 2001.

In May 2001 WAD has been registered as an Association not for Gain in Accordance with Article 21 of the Companies Act, no. 61 of 1973.

WAD’s aim is to empower women. It is a self-help programme which at a local level aims at uplifting the socio-economic and the socio-political situation of women in Namibia. WAD encourages women to make use of their own potential, to stimulate a sense of co-operation and to motivate them to organise themselves into self-help groups. The project activities concentrate on training, the assistance in establishing income-generating projects and the promotion of savings clubs.

Fields of training are for example: home economics, sewing, health, gardening, welding, brick-making, computers and others.

At a regional level WAD has introduced the women’s voices as an instrument to discuss issues of concern to women and the communities with the regional authorities. These women’s voices have meanwhile become lobbyists and agents of change in the project regions.

At a national level WAD is lobbying the cause of women in Namibia to enable them to play their rightful role in the Namibian society. A National Women’s Voice has been inaugurated by the Honourable Prime Minister, Theo Ben Gurirab in November 2002.

WAD has meanwhile established a network of training centres in 6 regions of the country (Omusati, Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, Hardap, Erongo and Kunene). The WAD staff consists of a managing director and 4 supporting staff members (in the head office in Windhoek), 4 regional coordinators and 10 field officers.

WAD has approximately 4000 members countrywide.

The Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation is WAD’s main sponsor. Additionally WAD has meanwhile attracted many international and national donors.

WAD is considered to be one of best non-governmental development organizations in Namibia and has gained acceptance in all spheres of the Namibian society.