Women’s dreams should not be limited by their gender – Nandi-Ndaitwah

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged women and girls not to allow their dreams to be limited by their gender.

In a message to mark International Women’s Day, commemorated annually on 8 March, the president urges women and girls to embrace opportunities with confidence and determination.

This year’s theme, ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls’, highlights the achievements made and the work still required to achieve full equality.

Nandi-Ndaitwah says women worldwide have gained greater access to education, leadership and economic opportunities due to years of advocacy, courage and determination.

However, she says barriers remain, including gender-based violence, economic inequalities and restrictive social attitudes.

She says for Namibia the day is an opportunity to reflect on progress since independence.

She says today’s women are contributing across all sectors – government, business, agriculture, education, and communities – and are increasingly “serving with distinction in leadership roles and helping to guide the nation forward.”

Nandi-Ndaitwah also recognises Namibia’s continued commitment to global frameworks like the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, reaffirming that empowering women is essential for development, peace and human dignity.

She also calls for inclusive participation, urging boys and young men to champion equality alongside women.

“When women and girls thrive, families are stronger, communities are more resilient and our country moves forward,” she says.

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