President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has emphasised that Africa cannot celebrate its first women leaders and stop there.

She said this is because the continent's progress will be measured by how many more women rise to leadership and whether they leave the path easier for those who follow.

Mariental Urban Councillor Iswarin Rooi, the first female representative for her constituency, stressed in her maiden address to the National Council that her presence in national leadership is not merely symbolic for women.