Women in Namibia and globally should not underestimate their capabilities and should stop fearing to take on new challenges.
Aletha Frederick, //Kharas governor delivered this message during an interview with New Era in commemoration of International Women’s Day.
“Never believe that something is difficult in life. If you take it on with full confidence, you might discover most of the time you can and will eventually achieve it,’’ the politician emphasised.
Frederick further underlined the importance of recognising women in today’s society.
“Previously, our culture and traditions restricted us (women) to maintaining our households and raising children whilst our male counterparts were regarded as more superior, being the authority and breadwinner in a household, which, however, changed in our best interest in the meantime, ‘’ she explained.
She also bemoans the fact that the mining, construction, farming, agriculture and mechanical/engineering sectors were previously specifically reserved for
men.
“Through our current democratic, non-discriminatory policies, this is something of the past,” she happily remarked.
Frederick applauded the Namibian government for enabling more women to be appointed in strategic positions.
“Another national document, in addition to various educational, training and development opportunities available is the Affirmative Action Policy,” she said.
She also said it is really commendable to see Namibian women today occupying high ranking positions in corporates such as chief executive officers and members of boards.
She was however cautious to mention that women per se do not want to be placed on an equal status with men, but rather to be afforded equal opportunities in life.
‘’As a woman, I just want to call on my counterparts to celebrate and embrace this special day dedicated to our lives,’’ said Frederick.
She called on women in top positions not to look down on those who are less fortunate but rather stay united as sisters and develop the world to be a better place.
Meanwhile, media practitioner Suzith Tjitaura regarded the importance of the day as that of reminding society that women play an equally important role in the matters of the day as did their male counterparts. “I am not suggesting that we are better than men, but rather that we can do things as equally as good as them,’’ she explained. She reasoned that both sexes are provided with the same minds and capabilities, which should really give reason to rule out discrimination in any form whatsoever.
“We as women, especially in rural areas should now, more than ever, stand up and take our rightful place in society and also shed off the old cultural and traditional beliefs that women are the weaker segment in society,’’ she said.
- sklukowski@nepc.com.na