President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has paid tribute to women, saying that as Namibia marks Women’s Day, “we must begin by recognising the historic role that Namibian women played in the liberation struggle.”

She recalled that long before independence, women served as organisers, mobilisers and protectors of families and communities, despite carrying the burdens of exile, detention and displacement.

According to the President, “It is from this foundation of courage and sacrifice that our democracy later emerged.”

Nandi-Ndaitwah, in a statement, said the political space Namibia occupies today exists because countless women, known and unknown, stood firm in the face of injustice.

Their leadership, she said, did not end in 1990 but continued throughout the building of national institutions, reconciliation efforts, civic life and the shaping of policies that place equality at the centre of national values.

Namibia’s democracy, she added, is rooted in the strength, steadfastness and clarity of purpose shown by its women over generations.

Highlighting women’s ongoing contributions, President Nandi-Ndaitwah said that today “women continue to shape the direction of our nation”, holding positions of influence across both the corporate sector and the political landscape.

“From boardrooms to Cabinet rooms, from entrepreneurs to lawmakers, Namibian women are driving innovation, steering policy and shaping national agendas,” she said.

Their leadership demonstrates, she added, that the struggle for equality is ongoing, and progress depends on ensuring women lead, participate, and thrive in every space where decisions are made.

Marking Namibia Women’s Day, the President also addressed the urgent issue of gender-based violence, describing it as a violation of human dignity and a betrayal of the values freedom fighters stood for.

“Our nation cannot claim to honour human rights while its mothers, sisters and daughters continue to live in fear,” she said.