WINDHOEK- More than 400 young people recently gathered at the University of Namibia (Unam) sports field to celebrate the Third Annual National Young Women’s Day with the theme, “Building Strength, Increasing Self Esteem and Assertiveness”.
The bursting line-up on the day included an opening scripture and prayer by Annatjie Tobias and various speakers including Claudia Martins, Uncle GEP,Tanya Amey, Rethie Ahrens and Dr Mara Mberira adrressed topics such as self-esteem, body language, pride, spirituality, freedom and responsibility and so much more. Rethie Ahrens, a Wellness Dietician with Methealth Namibia Administrators emphasised confidence in one’s own worth or abilities and encouraged the youth to cherish their self-worth through values and actions rather than relying on external sources to measure their significance.
Another speaker, Uncle GEP, urged the young girls to wake up and stop being naively gullible followers of whatever trend and fashion, as well as not to fall prey to the devious plans of detractors, enemies, fake role models and doomsayers. The group of young girls were given lessons in self defence, should they find themselves in a situation where they feel threatened.
Choirs, creative dancers, solo singers, guitarists, poem readers, drama from the White Ribbon team and performance by the Iris Primary School kids were also part of the lined up programme.
Lydia Amunyela, one of the young girls who attended the celebration commented that the day was inspirational and she looks forward to next year. “I learnt a lot from what the speakers said. I’ve learn how to defend myself when approached by a stranger and that’s something I can benefit from. I hope next year will just be as great as this year,” Amunyela expects.
The brainchild of this initiative, Angela Katjimune, says even with the few challenges they encountered the outcome of the event gave her courage to continue. “I’m happy. If it can make a difference to one person just to realise who they are, and their potential, it gives me more strength continue with this. We can’t stop here, we have to continue and take this to other towns.” Says Katjimune thanking all the sponsors who made the successful day possible.