Nalafem Collective hosted 3rd Summit in Namibia: Reaffirming “Women’s right to lead”

In Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, the Nalafem collective successfully concluded its third summit on the theme of “Women’s right to lead”. This landmark event brought together an array of influential African women leaders, activists, and advocates to discuss and champion the crucial role of women in leadership.

A gathering of visionary African women

The summit, a vibrant celebration of women’s empowerment, gathered a diverse group of participants from various sectors, including politics, business, civil society, and arts. Among the notable attendees were prominent figures such as:

• H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Vice-President of the Republic of Namibia, Patron and Keynote Speaker at the 3rd Nalafem Summit.
• Hon. Emma Theofelus, Minister of Information and Communication Technology of the Republic of Namibia and speaker at the 3rd Nalafem Summit. 
• Hanan Morsy, Deputy Executive Secretary and Chief Economist at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
• Bogolo Kenewendo, Special Advisor to the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, former Cabinet Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry in Botswana 
• Joanah Mamombe, Member of Parliament in Zimbabwe and Nalafem Council Member

Key Discussions and Outcomes

The summit featured a series of panel discussions, women-led activities, and keynote speeches that delved into critical issues affecting women’s leadership in Africa. Some of the key topics included:

• Breaking Barriers: Addressing the structural and cultural obstacles that hinder women’s access to leadership positions. Participants discussed strategies for dismantling these barriers through education, advocacy, and policy reforms.
• Building Alliances: The importance of forming strong networks and alliances among women leaders. The summit facilitated meaningful connections and collaborations aimed at amplifying women’s voices and influence across various domains.
• Inclusive Leadership: Promoting diversity and inclusivity in leadership roles. Attendees explored ways to ensure that leadership opportunities are accessible to all women, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.
• Youth Engagement: H.E. Netumbo Nandi encouraged young women to aspire to leadership roles while following the path of their elders: “The secret [on how to go from the bottom to the very top as a woman] is to see your sisters as those building your shine. Do not feel threatened by anyone, especially your fellow woman because they were there to support you. Seek mentorship from those ahead of you.”

A Call to Action: Ensuring that women’s right to lead is recognized, respected, and realized in every corner of the continent

The summit concluded with a resounding call to action. Participants affirmed their commitment to advancing women’s leadership and pledged to continue working towards a more inclusive and equitable society. The event highlighted the need for sustained efforts and collaborative initiatives to achieve gender parity in leadership positions across Africa. In the spirit of the summit’s theme, we are reminded that empowering women to take on leadership roles is not just a matter of justice; it is essential for the progress and prosperity of our societies. By supporting and uplifting women leaders, we can pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all.