Dr. Julita-Kitwe Mbangula, Miss Supranational Namibia 2022, is a trailblazer in women’s empowerment and the founder of The Hermosa Mimosa Affair. Beyond her beauty and grace, she is recognized for her dedication to uplifting young women in the medical field. This weekend, on 27 October, she will host an all-female gathering in Windhoek, aimed at connecting aspiring medical students and interns with experienced female leaders in the profession. Windhoek Observer had the opportunity to engage with Dr. Mbangula to learn more about her inspiring journey and the impact of her work.
WO: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind The Hermosa Mimosa Affair and how it has evolved since its inception?
The Hermosa Mimosa Affair was inspired by my commitment to female empowerment during her reign as Miss Supranational Namibia 2022. Recognizing the need to support and mentor young women aspiring to enter the medical field, and supporting those in training in an environment that is non toxic. I established this event to bridge the knowledge gap and create opportunities for these young women. Since its inception, it has evolved into a platform for education, mentorship, and mental health support, extending its reach to marginalized areas of Namibia and growing in size and impact.
WO: What are some of the key challenges you’ve identified in mentoring young female doctors in Namibia, and how does your initiative address these challenges?
This initiative is one of one. Never been done before and purely authentic. Before this, there wasn’t any access to female role models and mentorship for young women aspiring to be doctors. This can make the journey to becoming a doctor seem overwhelming. The Hermosa Mimosa Affair addresses these challenges by connecting young women with established female doctors, providing guidance, and creating an encouraging environment where they can learn about the realities of the medical profession.
WO: Mental health in healthcare is one of the focus areas of The Hermosa Mimosa Affair. Could you share why this is important and how the event helps tackle this issue?
Mental health is critical in the healthcare profession, especially for medical students and interns who face immense pressure. The Hermosa Mimosa Affair tackles this issue by fostering a supportive environment where female doctors share their experiences and coping strategies. The event also emphasizes the importance of mental well-being and provides tools for attendees to navigate the stress and emotional challenges they may encounter in their careers.
WO: You’ve mentioned hosting four impactful editions so far. Could you highlight some of the major successes and outcomes from previous events?
Over four editions, The Hermosa Mimosa Affair has garnered positive testimonies from participants. Notably, the event has featured renowned keynote speakers like Dr. Helena Ndume and Dr. F Shidhika, whose inspiring talks have resonated with attendees. The initiative has succeeded in reaching young women from various socioeconomic backgrounds, helping them gain confidence and pursue their dreams of becoming doctors.
WO: What role do mentors like Dr. Helena Ndume and Dr. F Shidhika play in inspiring the attendees, and how have they impacted the young women participating?
Mentors like Dr. Helena Ndume and Dr. F Shidhika play a pivotal role in inspiring attendees. Dr. Ndume’s humanitarian work and Dr. Shidhika’s personal journey and continued professional success has shown young women that with determination, they can overcome challenges and achieve success. These mentors provide tangible examples of female leadership in medicine, which greatly motivates the young women participating in the event. Theres so much power is seeing someone like you do what you think is impossible.
How does The Hermosa Mimosa Affair encourage leadership and empowerment among aspiring female doctors?
The Hermosa Mimosa Affair encourages leadership by creating a space where young women can connect with female medical leaders and learn from their experiences. It promotes self-confidence, goal-setting, and resilience, all of which are essential traits for leadership in both the medical field and beyond. The event also emphasizes the importance of having a voice and tackling adversities with confidence.
WO: What is the significance of the chosen theme for this year’s edition, ‘Floral pink smart casual’? Does it hold a deeper meaning in relation to the event’s goals?
The theme “Floral pink smart casual” represents both the elegance and empowerment of women. The floral aspect symbolizes growth and blooming into leadership roles, while the pink color is often associated with femininity and strength. This aligns with the event’s goals of empowering young women to take pride in their journey and embrace their future leadership roles in the medical profession.
WO: In what ways does this initiative aim to bridge the knowledge gap and create more opportunities for young female medical professionals in Namibia?
The initiative aims to bridge the knowledge gap by providing aspiring female doctors with direct access to information from experienced professionals. Through mentorship, keynote speeches, and networking opportunities, The Hermosa Mimosa Affair equips attendees with the knowledge and resources necessary to succeed in medical school and their careers.
What do you envision for the future of The Hermosa Mimosa Affair? How do you see the initiative growing over the next five years?
In the next five years, Dr. Mbangula envisions The Hermosa Mimosa Affair growing to reach even more young women. The plan is to include more health care workers and not limited to doctors. We are looking to build a network for men aswell, increasing its inclusivity and impact by bringing more prominent national and international doctors into the fold. The ultimate goal is to create a nationwide network of mentorship and empowerment for aspiring female and male medical professionals. But first, we start at the grass root level.
WO: How can more members of the community or other organizations get involved in supporting the mission of The Hermosa Mimosa Affair?
Community members and organizations can support the mission of The Hermosa Mimosa Affair by becoming partners, sponsors, or mentors. Media coverage and participation help amplify the message, while contributions from various stakeholders enable the initiative to reach more young women. Dr. Mbangula invites organizations to support the platform, which directly impacts the future of female medical professionals in Namibia.
