Erongo leaders call for women’s empowerment during Women’s and Human Rights Day observance

Calls to accelerate women’s empowerment and strengthen leadership representation were highlighted during the Namibian Women’s Day and the International Human Rights Day observance at Uis on Wednesday.

Newly sworn-in Dâures constituency councillor Inecia Brandt emphasised that empowering women is key to family stability, community development and national progress.

“When women are empowered, families thrive, communities prosper, and nations move forward. For too long, women have been told what they cannot be. Today, we are rewriting that story,” she said.

Reflecting on her personal journey in politics, Brandt noted that despite challenges and moments of self-doubt, her community’s support kept her moving.

“My election is a victory for every girl who dreams and every woman who rises.

“Women are not only capable of contributing to the economy, but are capable of shaping it,” she added.

The councillor assured inclusive leadership that serves both men and women equally.

Erongo Regional Council chief regional officer Sem Ntelamo said women’s rights are a direct indicator of societal health and dignity.

“Rights are not abstract ideas; they are lived conditions that determine whether families thrive, whether women are safe and whether young people can see a path into their future,” he said.

Ntelamo highlighted unemployment, particularly among women and youth and the persistent levels of gender-based violence in the region as urgent barriers to women’s full participation.

He added that women must be guaranteed access to land, financing and leadership platforms to strengthen families and local institutions.

Erongo governor Natalia Goagoses used the platform to honour elderly women in the community, including some attendees who were over 90 and 100 years old, describing them as “unsung heroes whose resilience continues to inspire the region”.

“Women in leadership are symbols of progress. Their contributions close gender gaps and enrich our democracy,” she said.

The governor encouraged constituency leaders to ensure that national laws and policies on women’s rights, domestic violence and gender equality reach villages and settlements.

– Nampa

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