Auleria Wakudumo
With just a day to go before the incoming president takes her oath of office, influential women shared their views and perspectives on Namibia’s incoming first female president.
Different women have praised incoming president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for being the first female elected president in Namibia.
Many believe her leadership will bring a unique approach to governing.
Human rights’ activist and chief of a faction of the /Khomanin Rosa Namises expressed confidence in Nandi-Ndaitwah’s ability to run the country, citing her upbringing by strong women and witnessing their remarkable capabilities.
“I have had the experience of being led by women before because I was brought up by my grandmother and my mother. However, this is going to be the first time being led by a political woman,” Namises said.
With the rising cases of gender-based violence against women and children, she urged the president to declare such violations a national crisis, address poverty and appoint capable women to leadership positions.
Namises added that although it’s the first time a woman is taking on such a high position in the country, she is confident that she will grow even stronger.
“I expect her to unite Namibia as one nation, embracing inclusivity and caring for all of us, regardless of our race or background, just like a mother would,” Namises said.
The president of Pan African Women’s Organisation, Eunice Iipinge reflected on the elections, stating that it was God and the Namibian people who made the female president win among male candidates.
“As a Namibian woman, we are thankful that the door is open for capable women to take leadership,” Iipinge said, adding that she is confident that her management of State affairs is going to be different from that of men.
“As outlined in her manifesto, we can expect changes in economic development, agriculture and food security, management of natural resources, as well as in addressing corruption and social injustice,” she added.
Iipinge urged all Namibians to do their part in achieving the country’s goals.
“I know this is a heavy task, but we trust and believe that the same God who chose and appointed her as president will ensure she accomplishes all her goals.”
The coordinator of Ohangwena Rural Women’s Assembly and the chairperson of Omipapa Community Project Hileni Shuudifonya also expressed happiness that women will be represented on all platforms, with their voices finally being heard.
“As rural women, we demand that in the next five years, every woman should have one hectare of land,” she said.