Windhoek: The need to protect girls' right to education and strengthen gender-responsive learning has never been more urgent, with a special focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) fields. This was emphasized by Otto Knox Imbuwa, Deputy Executive Director of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports and Culture, during the launch of the second phase of the 'Africa Educates Her' campaign, the Namibia chapter.

According to Namibia Press Agency, phase two of the campaign, launched in collaboration with the African Union International Centre for Girls' and Women's Education (AU-CIEFFA), is running under the theme 'Keep girls in school, empower their future.' Imbuwa remarked that the campaign comes at a critical time to accelerate reforms that address persistent gender gaps and to build educational resilience, which was laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Imbuwa pointed out that Namibia has made strides in providing meaningful education, with around 95 percent of girls having access to primary education. However, he noted a significant drop in retention rates at the secondary level, with only 65 percent continuing. He stressed that genuine progress requires access to quality STEAM learning, digital infrastructure, laboratories, professional development for teachers, and robust data systems to direct investments effectively.

He further emphasized that access to education extends beyond just attending school. He highlighted that safety and support are crucial for girls to learn effectively and compete in the educational sphere. Imbuwa encouraged learners to challenge themselves, particularly in areas like digital transformation, renewable energy, green technology, and advanced industry, noting that Namibia's future relies on maximizing its human capital.

Imbuwa also expressed appreciation for the ministry's development partners for their technical support, advocacy, and resources in advancing girls' education. He stated that the success of the campaign hinges on multi-sector collaboration to ensure safe learning environments, reinforce policies for pregnant learners, and expand access to quality education, especially in underserved regions.