Niël Terblanché
The dual celebration of Human Rights Day and Namibia’s Women’s Day will go down in history not only because serves as a reminder of the progress made in the country’s journey toward justice and equality and the ongoing collective effort needed to secure a brighter future for all, but also because the nation elected its first female head of state.
On Tuesday, Namibia joined the global community In commemoration of International Human Rights Day under the theme “Our Right, Our Future, Right Now”.
President Nangolo Mbumba in a special message to the nation reflected on the strides made and challenges still to overcome in the pursuit of equality, dignity, and justice.
“As we commemorate International Human Rights Day, we unite as a global community to reflect on our pursuit of promoting dignity, equality, and freedom for all humankind. Nationally, I join the Namibian people to mark Namibian Women’s Day, honouring the courage, resilience, and contributions of Namibian women to our democracy, freedom, and prosperity,” he said.
Mbumba added that this year’s observance is particularly historic as it coincided with the election of Namibia’s first female President-elect, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
He said the election of Nandi-Ndaitwah is a reflection of Namibia’s commitment to gender equality.
“This achievement demonstrates our commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality,” he said.
The President also paid tribute to the sacrifices of Namibian women during the liberation struggle, recognising their critical role in shaping the country’s democracy and fostering progress across all sectors of society.
“Namibian women are key drivers of change, driving our nation toward greater heights and fostering hope for a sustainable future,” he said.
About the day’s broader theme, the Mbumba stressed the importance of upholding universal human rights as a foundation for a more inclusive and equitable world.
“International Human Rights Day serves as a powerful call to action to uphold universal values. It implores us to take decisive steps to promote and protect human rights as a cornerstone for shaping an inclusive and sustainable future,” Mbumba said.
The dual commemoration also brought focus to the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The President urged Namibians to confront this persistent issue head-on.
“As we mark the end of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, it is befitting to appreciate the progress made and challenges that remain in ending this pervasive issue. Let us recommit ourselves to eliminating all forms of GBV that compromise the safety, dignity, and well-being of people, particularly women,” he said.
Mbumba called on the nation to work collectively to dismantle barriers hindering equality.
“I call upon all Namibians to reaffirm their commitment to justice, equality, and dignity for all. Let us work together to dismantle the barriers that hinder women’s full participation in society and promote an environment where every individual, regardless of gender, thrives,” he urged.
The President said Namibians have a shared responsibility to build a future where dignity and equality are not just aspirations but realities.
“May we all continue to work towards a brighter, more equitable future,” he concluded.
