The First ladies of Namibia and the USA, Monica Geingos and Jill Biden, respectively, joined forces Friday to encourage young people to take on leadership roles and embrace democracy, as the future belongs to the youth. 

Speaking at a youth empowerment forum at the Namibia University of Science and Technology in Windhoek, Geingos indicated that young people must be prepared to break free from the constraints that hold them back and embrace a commitment to excel in all areas of life.

“Whatever it could be, alcohol abuse or substance abuse, whatever is holding you back, you deserve to be free of that,” she stated. 

Geingos further encouraged young people to participate in opportunities that will prepare them for leadership positions. 

“We are here because we married men who became presidents, but when young girls come to me and say, ‘First Lady, I just want to be just like you; I want to become a First Lady’, I tell them ‘no, you must want to become a president’.”

Biden, who was on an official three-day visit to Namibia, emphasised the importance of young people in safeguarding democracy.

“We must build on the foundation of democracy by lifting those voices that have gone unheard, particularly women and girls, people living on the margins of society or those vulnerable to abuse by exercising our right to disagree and dissent, speaking up when we see injustice, supporting leaders who listen to our concerns and becoming those leaders when we hear the call,” she explained.

Biden reminded the youthful audience that they are the keepers of democracy and urged them to protect the legacy established by their forbearers.

“As the first generation, born in a free Namibia, the legacy that your parents and grandparents established is now yours – yours to defend and protect. Yours to grow. And as we look forward, we must remember that the fight for democracy has no end,” she said.

Biden encouraged young people to support leaders who are willing to listen to their concerns and work towards a more just and equitable society.

“You, the young people of Namibia, are our future and our present. And as our world grows smaller, the connections between us matter more. When people here are able to thrive, that success ripples beyond your borders. Just look at the progress that has been made here for gender equality, clean energy and slowing the spread of HIV,” she stated.

- ljason@nepc.com.na