Namibians from all walks of life celebrated and reiterated their commitment to empowering women in aviation by tracking the tangle process and providing support during the Women in Aviation Namibia summit held at Droombos in Windhoek on Friday.
The event held on the eve of International Women’s Day, 8 March, saw President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirm Namibia’s unwavering commitment to advancing women.
“We will continue aligning national policies with regional and international frameworks promoting gender equality, including our obligations under SADC and the African Union,” said the President in her statement delivered by Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare.
The head of state added that “We need to monitor the number of women entering aviation training, progressing into leadership roles and driving innovation. This occasion should inspire renewed determination and strengthen partnerships between government, industry, academia, and civil society. It should also remind every Namibian girl that her dreams are not limited by tradition but fueled by opportunity.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah, however, cautioned against favouritism at the expense of the boy child.
“When I was sworn in as the Fifth President of the Republic of Namibia last year, I said: ‘I believe my election will inspire women from all walks of life to assert themselves. I was elected on merit, not because I am a woman. As women, we should not seek positions of responsibility simply because we are women; we should do so because we are capable members of society who can hold those roles.”
The President explained that “You are in aviation not because you are women, but because you excel exceptionally as human beings. You are capable in your own right, you believe in yourself, and you are demonstrating that, given an opportunity, you can overcome social and cultural obstacles to develop your talents and realise your full potential. On a personal note, as a little girl, my dream was to become a pilot. Although that dream did not manifest, I stand tall today in seeing Namibian women who have pursued this dream. I am very proud of you.”
Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi said Namibia’s national policies provide a strong foundation for transformation.
“Our national development blueprint, Vision 2030, envisions a Namibia characterised by prosperity, harmony, peace, and equality. Central to this vision is empowering women across all sectors of society. Aviation, as a driver of economic growth and international connectivity, must reflect these values. By promoting inclusivity and dismantling barriers, we ensure that women contribute fully to innovation, safety, and competitiveness in aviation”, Nekundi said. Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Emma Kantema, underlined that women are underrepresented in technical and leadership roles, whether as pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, or executives and closing this gap requires more than aspiration; it requires structured pathways, mentorship, and accountability.
Other speakers on the day included former Miss Universe Michelle Mclean, NAC Board Chairperson Dr Leake Hangala, NCAA Board Deputy Chairperson Martha Hitenanye, who all emphasised and reaffirmed their commitment to the cause. There was also a testimonial video featuring Female Student Pilot (Jayme-Leigh Devoss), Aircraft Student Engineer (Davina Makena Sitareni), Air Traffic Controller (Tuahangauka Mbijezuva Hengari), and Manager: Aviation Security (Calista Goabas).
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