Complied by: Rose-Mary Haufiku and Kandjemuni Kamuiiri
In commemoration of International Women’s Day, which will be celebrated on Monday, 8 March, various personalities shared with the Windhoek Observer, their views on this important day.
Minister of Justice, Yvonne Dausab
“International women’s day is an acknowledgement that progress on issues of gender equality and women’s empowerment remain in some respect’s lofty ideals. The revolution has stalled. We need more urgency to elevate the struggle for more tangible and meaningful changes in the socio-economic and political space for women.”
Lieutenant General Sebastian Ndeitunga
“The International women’s day has a very extraordinary importance due to the fact that it serves as remembrance of the extraordinary role women play in the International interdependence and coexistence of nations. Women are peace makers, peace observers and peace catalysers. Women are the sunflowers of the International community of nations.”
PDM Member of Parliament, Winnie Moongo
“International women’s day is a day to recognise and celebrate women for the role they play and the impact they make within the society as mothers, leaders, professionals, etc. Considering that women were never recognised outside of a domestic setting, international women’s day is a reminder that women are more than just home makers but they are movers and shakers too.”
Rosalia Martins Hausiku
“International Women’s Day for me is a day to celebrate womanhood, not just as the opposite sex. But in recognition of the rights, the achievements, and journeys of women as enablers to social, economic and political change. It is special because historically and culturally there was no space for us, but today we are pioneers and enablers of positive change and growth in various sectors.”
Gwen Lister
“There’s still a glass ceiling, but with abilities and commitment women can shatter it, like they’ve done in our banking sector. To the young women out there – find your MEATIER????? and follow your passion. Keep on reading and learning, embrace honesty and find the will to succeed and set an example to others. Above all, be tough. You’re always going to need to be that!”
André Le Roux
“To me it means a day where we celebrate women’s achievements and recognise the challenges that still have exists. It’s a day of reflection on what we need to do to achieve equality. It’s also a day where we celebrate our mothers, sisters and women in our lives and show solidarity.”
Ilke Platt: Founder Poiyah Media
“Under the theme women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a Covid – 19 world, this day reminds us according to the UN Secretary – General’s recent report, that women are still underrepresented in public life and decision making. It’s important to celebrate small wins but equally important to unpack statistics and be deliberate in terms of achieving equality for all.”
Martin Morocky (King TeeDee)
“The day means a lot to me because, we are celebrating the primary caretakers of our children. Women take the lead in helping the family adjust to new realities and challenges. I request we treat them special as queens not just that day but every day.”
Suzy Eises
“International Women’s Day is a celebration of the positive contribution women have in our society in different ways – spiritually, mentally, financially, emotionally and physically. Women are a light to the world; we are naturally caring and that is our greatest asset to the universe. I am grateful for the many women who have raised me and helped me become the women I am to inspire others through my business and music especially my mom, sisters and close family.”
Robyn Nakaambo
“Women’s day to me is a day of giving homage to remarkable women across the nation. The ones who have taught us that as much as we are nurturers by nature, we too can excel in the corporate and business world. Thank you for being phenomenal role models to the little Namibian girl children around the nation they can emulate. This is your day, live, love and celebrate.”
Marvellous Shilongo
“If it was up to me every day would be Women’s Day. Women’s Day is a reminder that we belong and we are here to stay.”
One of the leaders of #MeTooNamibia movement, Bertha Tobias
“International Women’s Day to me means recognition of how far we have come, collectively as women, as far as asserting our equality and dignity concerns. This day signifies an acknowledgement of the distinct and unique historical and social challenges that women face just navigating the world in general. For me it is an opportunity to celebrate women without romanticising the power of women and just celebrate them as equal human being without making them seem fundamentally different from men.”
Top Cheri
“It’s a day that we emphasise that [women are not] just decision makers in society but also majority shareholders in Multi Billion Companies, as headliners for Major Shows, as CEO’s of big enterprises, leaders and overall decision makers. Women are equally able no matter the sector of life.”
Twinfluencers
“International Women’s Day is a moment to be more mindful. More mindful as a woman, more mindful as a leader in a world that has equal opportunities for everyone because an equal world is an enabled world and does not bias on gender, caste, culture, sexual preferences or colour. It is an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the many positive changes that have happened to create equality, while committing ourselves more fully to the necessary structural and social changes needed to make full equality of opportunity’s possible. As women, each and every one of us has a part to play in that process.”
Nelago Johannes
“This is a day that extends jubilatory celebration in all forms for the fore running women that have played a role in fighting and trying to bridge the gap between men and women’s place in society. I believe it’s a day set aside to reflect on the things that have been achieved, and also to account the road ahead, to see how far we still need to go to truly have a gender-neutral society in corporate, domestic, environmental and even political spaces.”
