Some of you have probably been wondering where the column for Mavutu Conversations is. 

Well, we are back, and this year, we are bringing more challenging conversations to your doorsteps. While you might wonder why we are only starting in March, well, I figured why not have a sitdown in the month which celebrates us for who we are. 

A month that provides us with an opportunity to continue to be seen. 

March is the month when we honour women, and the countless contributions we have made to our society. I would like to extend my gratitude to how supportive the women who have read my column have been.  It truly has been an incredible journey with you, and I could not be more grateful for your continued support, engagement and shared passion for the stories which have left my mind and continue to make a difference in your lives. 

Every week, your voices, your feedback and your encouragement have fuelled this space, making it more than just words on a page—it has become a community of thinkers and changemakers.

Starting our year in March carries a significance which cannot be ignored.  It is a time when we pause to acknowledge the resilience, strength and undeniable power of women across all sectors. I also deliberately chose to start our safe space in March because a lot of things are happening in March. It is the month Namibia gained independence, and what better way to celebrate than to allow women to continuously embrace who they are.  Whether in politics, business, education, the arts or the home, Namibian women have always played a pivotal role in shaping the present and future of this country. Most of these women are the backbone of families, and the ones who push boundaries and redefine success. It is also an important month because it will be the first time in history that we will have a female President of the Republic of Namibia. Mee Netumbo is seen by many as a symbol of hope and renewal. 

Not only is she also seen as a door-opener, but she is described by many as a breath of fresh air to the Namibian House. She is celebrated in spaces where women’s empowerment is seen as being a progressive notion and narrative, a space where women have always been hard workers and gone the extra mile.  And this year, we are not just celebrating her, but we are celebrating every other woman who is taking up space alongside her, and we are taking inspiration from them.  This will be a year of ambition, of breaking barriers, and of setting new standards. Women have shown time and time again that they are capable of achieving greatness, and 2025 will be no different. Yet, in all our ambition and hard work, it is crucial that we also acknowledge that a lot still must be done. We are far from achieving world peace for women all around. 

We are not blind to the many atrocities that keep happening to women in Namibia or around the world. The rising GBV cases, rape and inequalities of everyday life for women who are in spaces of survival. However, what will carry us through these navigations will be embracing grace. As we push towards our dreams, we must remember to have grace for ourselves. Too often, we feel the need to be everything for everyone, to be the best at work, the best at home, the best friend, the best sister, the best mother. While striving for excellence is admirable, it should never come at the cost of one’s well-being. 

This year, let’s embrace the fact that resting is just as important as working hard. Let’s normalise taking breaks without guilt, celebrating small wins, and recognising that growth is a journey, not a race.

As we celebrate women this March, we also look ahead with optimism. This year holds great promise for us as a people, and especially for women who continue to rise in every field imaginable. 

We have seen more women stepping into leadership roles, taking up space in industries once dominated by men, and using their voices to drive meaningful change. It is a reminder that no dream is too big, no goal too ambitious, and no challenge too daunting.

The beauty of Namibia lies in its people, their resilience, their passion and their unwavering belief in a better future. 

And if there is one thing history has shown us, it is that when women rise, entire communities rise with them. When a woman builds a business, she creates opportunities for others. When a woman leads, she inspires a generation. When a woman speaks, she gives voice to those who have been silent for too long. This is why celebrating women is not just about honouring their achievements; it is about recognising their impact on every level of society.

To all the incredible women reading this, you are seen, you are valued, and you are appreciated. Your work, your sacrifices, and your dreams matter. Keep pushing, keep striving, and most importantly, keep giving yourself the grace to grow at your own pace.

Here is to a phenomenal year ahead. Here is to the power of women. Here is to us.

Until next time, stay inspired and keep shining.

*Frieda Mukufa’s lifestyle section in New Era concentrates on women-related issues and parenting. She also specialises in editing research proposals, proofreading and content-creation. – etuholefrieda@ gmail.com