Esther Utjiua Muinjangue has voiced her confidence in Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s president-elect, recognizing her leadership capabilities. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration on Independence Day marks a historic step for female leadership in Namibia and Africa. Muinjangue reflects on the challenges women face in politics, advocating for continued support for female leaders and greater gender equality in governance.
Esther Utjiua Muinjangue, former Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services and the first female leader of a political party in Namibia, has demonstrated her confidence in the newly elected president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Muinjangue commended Nandi-Ndaitwah’s proven leadership capabilities in her previous roles, expressing complete trust in her abilities. The impending inauguration on Namibia’s Independence Day will mark Nandi-Ndaitwah as the nation’s first female president and the tenth in Africa.
Muinjangue emphasized the optimism Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election inspires, particularly among women in politics. Though she did not draw direct comparisons between her own leadership experiences and the presidential role, she candidly acknowledged the enduring challenges women face in leadership positions within Namibia’s patriarchal society. She articulated, “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.”
Despite these challenges, Muinjangue expressed strong support for Nandi-Ndaitwah, affirming her extensive political experience and capability to lead. She urged the Namibian populace to provide unwavering support for the incoming president. “What we need to do now is to give her the necessary support and assure her that the Namibian people stand behind her,” she stated.
Muinjangue has a storied political career, being a staunch advocate for democracy, gender equality, and socio-economic development. She gained historical prominence in 2019 by winning the National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) presidential race, and retained her position in 2020 despite facing challenges characterized by patriarchal intimidation. Reflecting on her experiences, she recounted the harsher scrutiny women in politics endure compared to their male counterparts. “I was judged more harshly than my male colleagues, and my leadership abilities were constantly questioned,” she remarked.
Muinjangue also differentiated her experiences as a leader from Nandi-Ndaitwah’s. She noted the support structures surrounding Nandi-Ndaitwah’s role, highlighting the Swapo party’s commitment to gender equality with balanced representation in Parliament. “I was the first woman in my party to hold such a high position, whereas Swapo has already embraced gender equality, with a 50-50 representation in Parliament,” she asserted. This acknowledgment underscores the progressive shift in Swapo’s political landscape.
Ultimately, Muinjangue expressed hope that this transformative moment in Namibia would inspire more women to pursue leadership and that societal barriers inhibiting women’s advancement would continue to be dismantled.
Esther Utjiua Muinjangue’s expressions of confidence in President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah highlight a significant moment in Namibian history with the inauguration of the first female president. Despite the ongoing challenges women face in political spheres, Muinjangue’s hopeful outlook emphasizes the collective responsibility of society to support female leadership. Her reflections on her own political journey reveal the intricacies of navigating a patriarchal landscape and the progress Swapo has made towards gender equality, while inspiring future generations of women leaders.
Original Source: allafrica.com
