In a country where storytelling is rooted in tradition, rhythm and resilience, and is often reserved for men, Namibian women are boldly stepping forward, reshaping the creative industry and making their presence felt. 

From poetry stages to film sets, from canvases to recording studios, women are not only creating, they are leading and taking up space.

For too long, the creative landscape in Namibia, as in many parts of the world, has been dominated by male voices and perspectives. However, over the past decade, there’s been a powerful shift that is worth the applause. More and more women are claiming their place, breaking barriers, and building platforms not just for themselves, but also for the next generation of female creators that are joining the industry.

Take the music scene, for instance. Artists like Lioness, Taylor Jaye and Top Cheri are not just performers. They are also businesswomen, label owners, producers, and cultural trendsetters. These women are using their art to speak about issues that matter to women, from empowerment and identity to love and survival.

In the world of visual arts, women like Nambowa Malua and Tuli Mekondjo are challenging traditional forms and telling stories that speak of heritage, displacement and reclamation. Their work is being showcased on global stages, yet remains deeply rooted in Namibian experiences. 

Through painting, textiles, and installation, they are documenting narratives often overlooked in mainstream spaces.

Theatre and literature have also seen an exciting emergence of female voices. Writers and performers like Charmaine //Gamxamûs and Martha Sibila /Khoeses are redefining what it means to be a woman in performance, creating work that is bold, socially conscious, and undeniably African. These women are not waiting for permission, they are carving out opportunities for themselves, building collectives and mentoring others along the way.

But it’s not just about being seen. It’s about being in decision-making rooms. More women are producing films, curating exhibitions, managing events and running creative startups. They are bringing a different lens to leadership, one that centres on community, collaboration and care. This shift is not only enriching the industry, it’s transforming it.

Of course, challenges remain. Access to funding, unequal representation, and societal expectations continue to weigh heavily on many female creatives. But what’s changing is the mindset. Women are not shrinking to fit outdated moulds anymore, they are now expanding, dreaming bigger, and refusing to be boxed in.

And perhaps that’s the most powerful thing of all: that Namibian women are not just participating in the creative industry, they are redefining it. One lyric, one brushstroke, one story at a time.

As the country continues to grow its creative economy, it’s clear: when women take up space, the whole nation breathes deeper, thinks wider, and dreams louder.

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