Despite the fact that equality is often enshrined at a formal level, particularly in South Africa, it is evident that women in virtually all aspects of social and economic participation are confronted with particular difficulties. Consequently the implementation of gender equity in practical everyday life is still a distant goal for this region.

The foundation’s aims are:

• To sensitise citizens to gender-specific problems and topics through public debate, publications, networking and lobbying
• To increase awareness within South Africa of gender equity, especially with the implementation of laws and guidelines
• To increase public debate in Namibia on feminism, gender equity and disadvantaging of women
• Continuing support of women and women’s organisations in claiming their socio-economic rights.

Because of the enormous hindrances to true equity of genders in the region, the HBF will encompass gender aspects more deeply than before as an ongoing task throughout all its programmes in the region.