The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), in collaboration with Club de Madrid and Junior Chamber International Namibia (JCIN), hosted the Ethical Use of Social Media Seminar for Young Women in Politics.

It was held under the theme "Resilient Voices: Women Leading Safely in the Digital Age".

Speakers highlighted that the psychological stress, reputational harm and harassment that especially women are subjected to in digital spaces are some of the barriers that discourage participation and weaken women's representation in public leadership positions.

The event featured women in politics from Spain, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Kenya, who shared experiences and strategies on online safety and countering digital attacks. 

Discussions included the growing trends of cyberbullying, discrimination and online harassment against young women in politics. 

Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Emma Theofelus emphasised the need to protect women in online spaces. 

"Behind every young woman daring to lead online is a community that must protect her right to do so. May we continue to build Namibia where technology uplifts rather than divides, where women's voices are heard without fear, and where our digital spaces reflect our best humanity?"

The minister urged young women to use social media responsibly, to practise digital sisterhood and to cultivate accountability.

Participants also signed a pledge card to commit to using social media ethically and safely, while continuing to support women's voices in digital and political spaces.