Namibia's first female fishing trawler skipper, Nelago Kwedhi, is encouraging women to pursue careers in the maritime industry.

Recognising that the sector remains male-dominated, she said success is possible through hard work and resilience. 

Kwedhi's name will be reflected in the annals of Namibian history as the first Namibian woman to earn the title of captain of a fishing vessel.

She dedicated more than 20 years of service to NovaNam Fishing Company at Lüderitz.

"More women are interested in working in the maritime sector. But first, they need to know there is a tradition compared to what they know offshore. You must be strong to face men, but if you're short-tempered, you won't survive," said Kwedhi. 

She added that, as a woman, she wants other women to come and join her. "As a woman, you need to be reminded of where you came from and what you are there for. I know that the reason I am there is to put bread on the table. You need to be strong to fight poverty."

Kwedhi does not recall any stigma from her male colleagues at sea but cautions women aspiring to join the industry to have a strong character.

"The advice I want to give women out there is to work very hard. To be strong enough, the most important thing is not to forget where we come from; working at sea involves a lot of pressure. Also, remember there is a lot of seasickness, and the weather is not good. You just need to push and do your best."

She advises that the skipper position requires concentration and perseverance, as well as maintaining good working relationships with colleagues on board.

"To do your best, you just need a strong team, respect for your crew and the office, and good leadership with your colleagues to communicate. They say when you are a navigator, you will get fish, but you only get it right when you are working together. You will only do a good job when you have a good relationship with your colleagues; you need to work hard and communicate before you go offshore."

Her journey began at the Namibia Maritime Fishing Institute, and this is where she suggests women who mean to pursue studies and a career in the field should go.