Namibia Reaffirms Commitment to Equality as Country celebrate Human Rights and Women’s Day
By TUW
Namibia today commemorated International Human Rights Day alongside Namibia Women’s Day, honouring the country’s history of resistance and reflecting on ongoing efforts to protect the rights and dignity of all citizens.
The national celebration took place in Katima Mulilo under the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”. The event drew a strong public turnout and brought together key national and regional leaders, including the Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Dr. Emma Kantema, Zambezi Regional Governor Dorothy Kabula, and Katima Mulilo Mayor Kabende Kabende. Members of Parliament and newly elected local and regional councillors were also in attendance.
In her official message for Namibia Women’s Day, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reflected on the critical role of women in shaping Namibia’s past and present. While emphasising the urgent need to confront gender-based violence, she described the issue as a direct attack on human dignity and on the values that Namibia’s freedom fighters died defending.
“Our nation cannot claim to honor human rights while its mothers, sisters and daughters continue to live in fear,” she said.
The President underscored that women’s leadership did not end with independence. She highlighted their contributions to institution-building, reconciliation, civic participation, and the development of equality-driven national policies.
She further noted that women remain central to Namibia’s progress:
“From boardrooms to Cabinet rooms, from entrepreneurs to lawmakers, Namibian women are driving innovation, steering policy and shaping national agendas.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah said this enduring leadership demonstrates that the struggle for equality continues, and progress depends on ensuring that women can lead, participate and thrive in every decision-making space.
While the main commemorations were held in the Zambezi Region, activities also took place in the capital. In Windhoek, Khomas Governor Sam Nujoma led a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at Heroes’ Acre to honour national heroes and heroines who fought for independence and human rights. He later visited the mausoleums of Founding President Dr. Sam Nujoma and the late President Hage Geingob, observing moments of silence in their memory and in recognition of their contribution to Namibia’s freedom.
December 10 marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a reminder of the global commitment to dignity and justice for all. In Namibia, the day also commemorates the 1959 Old Location Uprising, where several protesters resisting forced removal were killed. Among those remembered is Anna Kakurukaze Mungunda, the only woman killed during the protest, honoured at Heroes’ Acre since 2002 and celebrated as a symbol of courage and resistance.
As Namibia reflects on these historical milestones, leaders reiterated the importance of unity in fighting all forms of violence including the growing threat of digital abuse and in building a society where human rights are protected and lived every day.
