Windhoek: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged women to pursue leadership positions based on competence and merit rather than gender alone. Speaking at the Women in Aviation Namibia event in Windhoek on Friday, Nandi-Ndaitwah said women should seek positions of authority because they are capable and qualified members of society.

According to Namibia Press Agency, reflecting on her inauguration as Namibia's fifth president last year, she said her election should encourage women across the country to confidently pursue leadership roles. 'I believe my election will inspire women from all walks of life to assert themselves in positions of power,' she said, adding that her rise to the presidency was grounded in merit.

Addressing women working in the aviation sector, the president commended their achievements in a field traditionally dominated by men. 'You are in aviation not because you are women, but because you excel exceptionally as human beings,' she said. 'You believe in yourselves and demonstrate that, given an opportunity, you can overcome social and cultural obstacles to develop your talents and realise your full potential.'

Nandi-Ndaitwah also shared a personal reflection, saying that as a child she had dreamed of becoming a pilot. Although that ambition did not materialise, she said she takes pride in seeing Namibian women pursue careers in aviation today.

The event formed part of activities marking International Women's Month, celebrating women in aviation and reaffirming Namibia's commitment to gender equality, inclusive economic growth and greater participation of women across sectors.

The president highlighted the contributions of pioneering women in aviation worldwide, including Amelia Earhart, whose transatlantic flight inspired generations, and Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman to earn a pilot's licence. She said women continue to play vital roles across the global aviation industry, from aircraft engineers and air traffic controllers to technicians and innovators.

'When women take their rightful place in aviation as pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, safety inspectors, executives and innovators, the Namibian nation soars higher,' she said. Nandi-Ndaitwah added that the achievements of Namibian women in aviation reflect the country's resilience and ongoing progress towards gender equality.