After the country obtained independence in 1990, one of the agenda on the table was to push women equality and equity, something that seems hard to be achieved. 

However, those who were given that responsibility have made sure that it is not just a dream. One cannot talk about equality and equity without appreciating the art works of women desk, which later became the women affairs and children’s welfare. 

As the government’s efforts on equality tighten, it has eventually established an inclusive ministry, namely Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare. 

This is where the affairs of men and women are dealt with so that the country can effectively achieve gender equality, and ensure that the boy and girl child welfare is on balance. 

The good news of newcoming female President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (NNN) is not just exciting news for numerous women in the land, but it is also a motivation for those who are into politics to believe in their work, and be reminded that hard work and determination are the key to success. 

In addition, there are challenges and critics in political space that can possibly fade hopes away, especially when one is not doing their work right, as well as their failure to put their national development agenda first. 

The good thing about NNN is that she has been there before, during and after colonial times, which placed her at an advantage to continue where late Sam Nuyoma, Hifikepunye Pohamba and the late Hage Geingob have ended.  However, at this point, hats off for President Nangolo Mbumba for his short role in Hage’s big shoes. Nevertheless, all eyes and hopes are on the new President, a perfect time to differentiate women leadership and men’s leadership, but the end-goal is to beautify the Namibia we all want to see.  Being an elected women President is an indication that a majority of Namibians are keen to taste women leadership. 

However, for one to succeed in leadership, it requires effective implementation of government programmes and projects. 

That can be possibly accomplished through regular monitoring of individuals who are posted at various government organs so that they can influence the on-time completion of works and prevent implementers from diverting important programmes/projects into their own interest than of public interest.  As for a female President, the expectations maybe high, especially on combating corruption to bail the country from being a playground for corrupt leaders, more specifically in public entities, but rather add more sharp teeth to Anti-Corruption Commission. 

Currently, corruption is a huge issue among many leaders, where they see power as a tool to steal despite their fat salaries, a mentality that is scaring away development in our communities. 

Therefore, the new President needs to be tough on those individuals with the power vested in her by the Constitution. 

Words of mouth on NNN are that she is a fixer.

 Thus, her term may end up in a good book for defeating corruption in the land.  

This is the right time to make the mighty Swapo shine again and develop leaders who hardly give promises they cannot fulfil, especially when it comes to servicing of informal settlements where most women dwell.  That means they struggle to effectively respond to government calls in participating in income generating activities. 

However, there are also unsolved issues that seem to be frustrating numerous citizens, namely unemployment, poverty and gender-based violence (GBV). 

These issues are inter-linked, and they need smart approaches for one to effectively reduce them. 

For instance, if one can pay to get a job, it shows our leaders that unemployment cannot be easily reduced in the presence of such practices, especially among individuals from poor households who are already struggling. 

Poverty still affects many families, despite provision of safety nets by the government, a situation that needs a re-check to arrest it effectively. GBV cases are increasing, despite government and its partners’ efforts.   Your Excellency, equipping women effectively is equally equipping a majority within and outside their families, as they can possibly extend their arms in assisting those in need. 

Hence, leaders need to be reminded that they must not have too much love for the political parties they represent, but to care for the Namibian house more than anything else. 

That can be felt through proper service delivery in all the communities. 

This is the perfect time to learn that those issues might be bygones, as the country got its first mother and first gentlemen on 21 March 2025. 

It is also the perfect time to give courage to Her Excellency NNN to lead our country in peace, and ensure any mineral resource leaving Namibia should first benefit all Namibians. 

*Tobias Nanhinda is a librarian at gender equality ministry. The views in this article are merely his and not of his employer.