President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called for reparative justice and solidarity on Saturday, marking the 63rd anniversary of Pan-African Women’s Day (Pawo).
This year’s event was held under the theme ‘Advancing Social and Economic Justice for African Women through Reparation’, in line with the African Union’s theme for 2025.
Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised the ongoing need for reparative justice across the continent, noting Namibia’s ongoing efforts to have Germany acknowledge and atone for the genocide committed in Namibia.
She reiterated Namibia’s continued support for the people of Saharawi, calling on the international community and the United Nations in particular to uphold resolutions on their right to independence and self-determination.
Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted the struggles African women and girls continue to face, saying: “We cannot ignore the stark reality that women often bear the brunt of societal inequalities, frequently sacrificing their aspirations for the well-being of their families.”
She said to address these challenges it is vital to empower women through economic and educational opportunities, access to healthcare, and policies that protect their rights.
At the same time, she said it is vital not to neglect boys.
The president took the opportunity to celebrate Namibia’s progress on gender equality, particularly through Swapo’s 50/50 gender representation policy, and called on women to continue supporting one another in driving the continent’s development.
“As Pawo and the Swapo Party Women Council, we must encourage Namibian women to continue standing together in solidarity, to lift each other up, and to pursue initiatives that benefit women alongside men.
“Let us ensure our voices are heard, that we advocate relentlessly the rights of women and girls, and that we drive forward the agenda of social and economic justice,” she said.
