Esther Utjiua Muinjangue has expressed strong confidence in Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s president-elect, who will become the country’s first female president. Muinjangue addressed the challenges faced by women in leadership but remains optimistic about Nandi-Ndaitwah’s capabilities and the potential for increased female representation in politics. This milestone is celebrated as a significant development for women in Namibia and across Africa.
Esther Utjiua Muinjangue, the former Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, has publicly expressed her confidence in president-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Muinjangue acknowledges Nandi-Ndaitwah’s proven leadership abilities and asserts, “I have full confidence in the abilities of the president-elect. I trust her.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah is poised to become Namibia’s first female president, marking a significant milestone in African history, as she is also the 10th female president on the continent. Her impending inauguration coincides with Namibia’s Independence Day, which contributes to the surge of optimism surrounding her election, particularly among women in politics.
While Muinjangue refrained from making direct comparisons between her own experiences and those of a Head of State, she underscored the systemic challenges faced by women in leadership. “It is widely agreed that women are just as deserving as men when it comes to leadership, but challenges remain in Namibia’s patriarchal society,” she noted. Nevertheless, she expressed optimism for Nandi-Ndaitwah’s tenure.
Muinjangue highlighted Nandi-Ndaitwah’s extensive experience as a seasoned politician, emphasizing the importance of societal support for her leadership. She stated, “What we need to do now is to give her the necessary support and assure her that the Namibian people stand behind her. I wish her all the best in this new chapter of her life,” reflecting her excitement regarding this historic milestone for the country.
Muinjangue has been a key figure in Namibian politics, advocating for democracy, gender equality, and socio-economic development. She made headlines in 2019 by winning the National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) presidential race, a victory she described in 2020 as navigating a “traditional masculinity contestation filled with patriarchal intimidation.”
In an exclusive interview, Muinjangue insightfully addressed the challenges faced by female politicians, remarking that they often endure harsher scrutiny than their male colleagues. “I was judged more harshly than my male colleagues, and my leadership abilities were constantly questioned,” she asserted. She expressed a desire to confront the overt masculinity prevalent in the political culture of the Ovaherero community, which forms the majority of Nudo’s base.
Muinjangue acknowledged the contrasts between her leadership journey and that of Nandi-Ndaitwah, noting the different ecological and support dynamics within their respective contexts. “From an ecological systems’ perspective, leadership is about how an individual fits within their environment,” she explained. She recognized the strides made by Swapo, which enjoys gender-equitable representation in Parliament.
This historic moment holds the potential to inspire a new generation of women leaders in Namibia, and Muinjangue is hopeful that the dismantling of barriers limiting women’s progression will persist, paving the way for future leadership opportunities.
In summary, Esther Utjiua Muinjangue’s endorsement of president-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah signifies a pivotal moment in Namibian history. The election of Nandi-Ndaitwah not only represents a breakthrough for women’s leadership but also highlights the critical need for continued support for female politicians. As Namibia witnesses this historical transition, it is imperative to encourage the advancement of women in the political sphere, ensuring that systemic barriers are dismantled for future generations.
Original Source: allafrica.com
