KEETMANSHOOP: Susan Ndjaleka, the Councillor of !Nami#Nus Constituency, has called upon women and girls in her constituency to actively engage in the upcoming oil, gas, and green hydrogen industries. Emphasizing their full participation in economic development, she addressed the gathering during the commemoration of International Human Rights Day and Namibia Women's Day at Lüderitz on Sunday.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), it's crucial for women and girls to gain fair recognition in all economic programs and projects within these burgeoning industries. Speaking at the event, she stressed the importance of women positioning themselves as vital contributors rather than mere observers in the small and medium enterprises value chain. She highlighted the necessity of empowering women to foster gender justice and contribute to peace. "It is not about political statements anymore, it is about going the extra mile," Ndjaleka said, acknowledging the resilience of women who, despite facing adversity, continue to strive for progress. She advocated for gender justice as an essential component of true peace.

Ndjaleka also emphasized the need for women to interact with each other without a sense of inferiority or superiority, advocating for a community where individuals are free to express their authentic selves without fear of negative judgment. She called for acceptance and interaction free from prejudice or bias, regardless of race, religion, gender, class, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

In a move to boost local entrepreneurship, the constituency office, through its community trust, awarded 20 informal traders with N$2,000 vouchers each to enhance their businesses. The event, which saw the participation of about 100 women, was held at Angra Pequena Senior Secondary School in the coastal town, under the theme 'Dignity, freedom and justice for all.'