WINDHOEK, Aug 5 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah re-iterated the urgent need to address the historical injustices endured by African women through reparative justice frameworks.
Speaking at the 63rd Pan-African Women’s Day celebrations in the capital city of Windhoek, she stated that such frameworks are vital in confronting the legacy of colonialism, slavery, apartheid and imperialist exploitation, which have disproportionately impacted African women and communities.
She noted that Namibia initiated its reparations process 19 years ago when Parliament passed a motion calling on Germany to acknowledge its colonial-era genocide and provide reparations. Since then, the government has engaged in ongoing negotiations with Germany, alongside representatives of affected communities.
“Women often bear the brunt of economic instability, lack of access to quality education, and gender-based violence,” the president said, adding that empowering women and girls through education, healthcare, and economic opportunity is central to achieving social justice.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also reiterated Namibia’s support for the Saharawi people, calling on the United Nations to implement its resolutions regarding Western Sahara’s right to self-determination. She also called for stronger advocacy from women’s organisations, the ratification and implementation of African Union gender protocols, and the prioritisation of youth mental health and peace-building efforts.
Pan-African Women’s Day commemorates the founding of the Pan-African Women’s Organization in 1962, which is now recognised as a specialised agency of the AU. — NNN-AGENCIES
