by ALFRED SHILONGO
WINDHOEK – AFTER earlier committing to bridge the gender divide in agriculture, politics, technology, tourism and renewable energy, Namibia pledges to empower more women to participate in mining.
This is according to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, speaking at the United States-Africa Business Summit in neighbouring Angola.
She was presenting on the occasion of the panel discussion on “Women In Leadership: Driving Innovation, Catalyzing Investments and Shaping Policy.”
“Namibia is a mineral-rich economy, and I am working to ensure that we include more women in mining,” she said.
Namibia’s first female president called on governments to support more public-private partnerships (PPP) that fund women-led green and digital enterprises and the creation of platforms for women investors, policymakers and innovators to shape trade and investment priorities on equal footing with men.
“Namibia remains fully committed to this agenda,” she assured.
“Through our national efforts, and in collaboration with regional and international partners, we will continue to create the space, support systems that allow women to not only rise but to thrive together with their male counterparts,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
Through financial institutions, the government has introduced special financial instruments to support women-led businesses.
Nearly 40 percent of small businesses are now women-owned.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s government has decided to invest in Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics programmes and the National Women in Innovation Challenge.
Namibian women represent 57 percent of the Cabinet and 43 percent of the National Assembly.
The deputy president and Speaker of Parliament are also female.
– CAJ News
