One's gender does not determine your capability. What matters is the commitment to lead with integrity and purpose.
These were the words of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during a public lecture at the University of Dar es Salaam, where she drew on her decades-long journey through liberation, diplomacy and national politics.
The theme this year was 'Inspiring Women to Break Barriers in Leadership Positions: A Personal Experience'.
"I'm not here because I'm a woman. I'm here because I have proven to the people of Namibia that I'm ready to be at their service. Women have the same capacity and knowledge to build our countries, our continent and the world. Just let us give it the best," she said.
In 2020, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Dar es Salaam, recognising her contributions to Namibia's independence struggle and her leadership in the fields of international diplomacy, gender equality, and pan-Africanism.
In a historic working visit, President Nandi-Ndaitwah returned to the university as Namibia's fifth, and first female president.
Reflecting on her journey from being a youth activist in exile to serving as Namibia's foreign minister and eventually becoming the president, President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised the importance of mentorship, access to education, and inclusive policies.
While acknowledging that it can get lonely at the top for women, President Nandi-Ndaitwah underlined that one should not lose sight of the objective.
"As I've been growing in my political career, the closer I got to the party's top leadership, the farthest I had been. But no one noticed it; I noticed it myself. However, I decided that I did not need to make it an issue. I'm here for the Namibian people. I am here to ensure that we achieve the goals we have set for ourselves.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah also engaged in a Q&A session with students and academics who fielded questions to the Namibian Head of State.
University of Dar es Salaam Chancellor and former president of Tanzania, Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, hailed President Nandi-Ndaitwah's lecture as a reminder that political power, when coupled with purpose, can become a force for inclusive change.
"Your words today have not only quenched the intellectual thirst of this eager audience but have also offered unforgettable lessons in courage, determination and inclusive leadership. You've illuminated a path for current and future generations of leaders, especially women, to rise, lead and transform our societies for the better."