Niël Terblanché
On the commemoration of Human Rights Day and Namibia Women’s Day, Namibians have been called upon to create a future where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered to live a life of dignity and fulfilment.
President Hage Geingob called for a renewed commitment to gender equality and human rights as Namibians observed International Human Rights Day and Namibian Women’s Day while reflecting on the tumultuous past and a hopeful gaze into a more equitable future.
The commemoration carries a deep historical significance, honouring the valiant resistance of Namibian women during the 1959 Old Location uprising in Windhoek.
The Old Location uprising was a pivotal event in Namibia’s liberation struggle when residents rose against the South African apartheid regime’s forced relocation orders.
The peaceful protest turned tragic when police opened fire, resulting in the loss of 13 lives, including one woman, and leaving 44 injured.
The tragedy marked a significant moment in the fight against apartheid and highlighted the crucial role of women in the resistance movement but the sad event also serves as a beacon of hope for a future where every individual is respected and empowered.
President Geingob, in his message to the nation, stressed Namibia’s achievements in advancing women’s representation in Parliament and leadership roles, acknowledging the country’s progress in gender equality.
He pointed to the persistent challenges facing women, including gender-based violence, unequal access to opportunities, and societal biases.
The President’s message resonated with the theme for this year’s Human Rights Day: ‘Consolidating and Sustaining Human Rights Culture into the Future.’
He urged not only the fostering of a culture of respect for human rights in the present day but also the importance of ensuring these values transcend into the future.
As Namibia honours its history, the nation also looks ahead with determination.
The government’s commitment to empowering women and girls, while also addressing the needs of boys to end deeply-rooted discrimination, remains a key focus.
According to the President, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Namibian Constitution serve as guiding lights in this journey, reminding the nation of the fundamental rights and freedoms that must be upheld for all.
Geingob’s call to action is clear: to create an inclusive and equitable society where everyone, regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, religion, or background, can enjoy the basic rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.
“Namibia not only remembers its past but also looks forward to a future where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered to live a life of dignity and fulfilment,” he said.
The President said that commemorating these two very important renews Namibians’ commitment to upholding human rights and promoting gender equality, laying the foundation for a more just and inclusive society.
