Africa-Press – Namibia. THE Vice President, Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has urged women in the mining industry to strive for leadership positions, emphasizing that women are underrepresented in this significant economic sector, which is one of the country’s largest.
“As women in the mining industry, knowing also that mining is one of the biggest economic sectors in our country, you now have a responsibility to hold a position of leadership, either within the unions or within the operations themselves. So that you can play your role and make sure that, as a country, we get the maximum benefit from these natural resources that are God-given,” she said.
The Vice President made these remarks at the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) Women’s Conference, where she cited a 2015 study by the University of Namibia (UNAM), which indicates that only 17% of women are employed in the mining industry.
She therefore encouraged women in the mining industry to take up leadership positions, underscoring that this will allow them to serve their nation and make an impact in the lives of other citizens. Nandi-Ndaitwah also highlighted that modern-day women have more opportunities, thanks to constitutional and policy changes that allow them to realize their dreams.
“The Namibian government, I must assure you, is committed and will continue to be committed to the improvement of the status of women in society and to the eradication of injustice to bring about equality between men and women for both of them to participate in our economy. Against that background, we have seen many policies and laws that are being adopted in our country, and those laws are rooted in our Namibian Constitution, which, of course, we all know is the supreme law of the land,” the vice president explained.
In contrast to the opportunities afforded to modern-day women, she reflected on her experience as an African woman born under colonial administration, emphasizing the detrimental control exerted by the colonial administration.
“So, therefore, my focus, my attention, was for the liberation of the country, and that was the focus of all young people of my generation. We were so determined, we declared we have nothing to lose if we have to stand up and fight for our rights. But if we did not stand up, we were going to lose, and this is what we have done, both men and women,” she recalled.
Nandi-Ndaitwah recounted her own journey, expressing that she didn’t hesitate to assume leadership when given the opportunity, as she was driven by a desire to serve her nation and advocate for her beliefs.
“When my colleagues decided and elected me to be the first chairperson of the SWAPO Youth League in Ovamboland, I did not resist because it is a national responsibility, and all of us were committed to that,” the vice president added.
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