Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA joined the global community in observing International Human Rights Day today, while simultaneously commemorating Namibia Women’s Day. In a statement, President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, highlighted the link between human rights and women’s empowerment, reaffirming the country’s commitment to equality, dignity and social justice at home and solidarity with oppressed communities abroad.
President Ndaitwah said the commemorations serve as a reminder that human rights must guide governance, public service and daily interactions among citizens. She added that Namibia continues to prioritise the protection of vulnerable groups, including the elderly, indigenous communities and persons with disabilities. Government’s investments in free primary and secondary education, plans to subsidise tertiary education and efforts to expand accessible healthcare reflect a commitment to ensuring “every Namibian deserves dignity, opportunity, and a fair chance.”
She emphasised, however, that protecting human rights cannot rest on government alone. Challenges such as youth unemployment, child labour and the safety of vulnerable people require collective action from families, communities, civil society and the private sector.
Reflecting on global crises, Ndaitwah expressed Namibia’s solidarity with people living under conflict and hardship. She cited Gaza, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Western Sahara as areas where communities continue to endure violence, displacement or the denial of self-determination. Namibia’s own history, she said, compels the nation to stand with others facing injustice.
Marking Namibia Women’s Day, the president paid tribute to the historic contributions of women to the liberation struggle, noting that long before independence, women were central to organising, mobilising and sustaining families and communities in exile and during political repression. She said the courage and resilience of these women laid the foundation for Namibia’s democracy and continue to shape its institutions and public life today.
The president highlighted the significant role that women now play in national development, occupying leadership positions in business, government and civic life. Their contributions, she said, demonstrate that progress depends on ensuring women are able to lead, participate and thrive in all decision-making spaces.
She also underscored the urgent need to confront gender-based violence, calling it a violation of human dignity and inconsistent with the values of the liberation struggle. Women, she said, deserve safety, respect and full legal protection.
President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah concluded the message by wishing the nation a reflective International Human Rights Day and a proud celebration of Namibia Women’s Day.
Photo: Namibian Presidency
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