Niël Terblanché
Namibia’s Vice President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has rallied women in the mining sector to ascend to leadership roles while stressing the underrepresentation of women in one of the country’s cornerstone industries.
While addressing participants at the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) Women’s Conference, Nandi-Ndaitwah reiterated the pivotal role women can play in maximizing the benefits derived from Namibia’s rich natural resources.
According to the Vice President, mining employs a mere 17 percent of women. She referred to statistics from a 2015 study from the University of Namibia (UNAM).
“It is imperative for women to not only participate in this sector but to strive for leadership positions, whether within unions or operational roles within the industry itself,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s encouragement for women to seize these roles is not just about representation but about making a substantial impact on the nation and its citizens.
She also took the opportunity to outline the strides Namibia has made towards gender equality, citing constitutional and policy reforms aimed at empowering women.
“The Namibian government is committed to improving the status of women in society and eradicating injustice to bring about equality between men and women,” she said while also affirming the government’s dedication to fostering an environment where women can pursue their aspirations.
Reflecting on her own journey, the Vice President shared her experiences growing up under colonial rule, a time when the fight for liberation overshadowed all else.
According to Nandi-Ndaitwah, her personal account of determination and leadership, from her election as the first chairperson of the SWAPO Youth League to her current position as Vice President, serves as a testament to the progress that has been made and the potential for further advancements in women’s leadership roles.
She said the push for greater female representation in leadership positions within the mining sector is more than a call for gender equality; it’s a strategic move to ensure that Namibia fully leverages its natural resources for the benefit of all its citizens.
According to the Vice President, the role of women in leadership positions, especially in industries where they have been historically underrepresented, becomes increasingly crucial for sustainable development and social equity.
