Africa-Press – Namibia. History was made on Sunday as Namibia’s First Gentleman Epafras Ndenga Ndaitwah was officially welcomed into the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD.)
He became one of the few male spouses to join the continental body. Ndaitwah was admitted during the 30th Ordinary General Assembly of OAFLAD held on Sunday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The ceremony was presided over by OAFLAD president Fatima Maada Bio, who used the occasion to call for renewed unity.
For now, available information does not list another male spouse among the membership of the OAFLAD besides Ndaitwah.
OAFLAD’s official membership is primarily made up of first ladies from African Union member states, with around 38 active members. In her address, Bio urged that Africa’s development challenges require unity, people-centred leadership and decisive action. “Today, I had the distinct honour of welcoming my sisters to the 30th Ordinary General Assembly of OAFLAD, marking thirty years of unity and collective impact across Africa,” Bio said.
She said OAFLAD’s strength over the past three decades has been its ability to act together and keep women and children at the centre of development efforts.
Drawing from her experience as first lady of Sierra Leone, Bio highlighted how simple but strategic interventions can bring meaningful change.
She pointed particularly to maternal healthcare and the protection of women and girls, saying these areas have the power to transform lives and restore hope in communities. While acknowledging progress made since OAFLAD’s formation, Bio cautioned that the work is far from finished. She urged members to remain steadfast in building a stronger, inclusive and prosperous Africa for future generations.
Ndaitwah reinforced the message of unity but introduced a broader call for inclusive empowerment that includes both girls and boys.
He admitted that, when he first received the invitation to join OAFLAD, he questioned how he would fit into an organisation traditionally made up of first ladies. However, he said the evolving political landscape in Africa, where women increasingly occupy top leadership positions, makes his membership a natural reflection of changing times.
He praised OAFLAD for championing issues once neglected, including child marriage, gender-based violence and access to education.
However, he said Africa must go beyond discussion and move towards practical action to address climate change, conflict and social inequalities.
Highlighting Namibia’s progress, he noted that the country ranks among the top globally in narrowing the gender gap and currently has women occupying the highest offices of president, vice president and speaker of the National Assembly.
He stressed that these appointments were based on merit and capability.
Importantly, Ndaitwah warned against creating new imbalances in the pursuit of gender equality.
While reaffirming the need to uplift women and girls, he said equal attention must be given to the boy child to ensure balanced development in society.
He outlined plans to focus on programmes that engage boys and girls in sport development, food security initiatives and expanded educational opportunities.
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