Windhoek:Former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba has passed away at the age of 78. A family member confirmed that she died Saturday night.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Penehupifo Pohamba was the wife of Hifikepunye Pohamba, Namibia's second president. Born in Okatale in the Ohangwena Region, she is survived by her husband and five children.

During her tenure as First Lady from 2005 to 2015, Pohamba was a prominent advocate for women's empowerment and worked to eliminate violence and injustices against women. She was also involved in initiatives supporting maternal and child health care and combating HIV/AIDS.

Professionally, Pohamba was a trained midwife, having received her education in Tanzania and Jamaica. Before becoming First Lady, she practiced as a midwife and registered nurse. Additionally, she served as the patron of the Lady Pohamba Private Hospital in Windhoek.