Founding President, Dr Sam Nujoma, has called on the SWAPO Party Women’s Council (SPWC) to transform itself into a formidable force that can be reckoned with over women and children’s matters in Namibia.

Opening the SPWC regional leadership programme in Nkurenkuru in the Kavongo West Region on Saturday, Nujoma said women in Namibia continue to be victims of sexual and gender-based violence (GBV), while young girls are still faced with impediments such as a lack of menstrual products and being subjected to child marriages, which hinders their access to education, therefore there is a need for a greater inclusion of women in decision making positions.

He noted that the SWAPO party adopted a policy of gender equality, which was instrumental in forming a foundation for the inclusion of women in leadership, and the implementation of the 50/50 gender representation.

“We must desist from thinking that we have reached our destination. There remains a need for greater inclusion of women in decision-making positions. We have much work to do now more than ever before through capacity building,”he noted.

Nujoma further noted that the orientation programme is a step towards empowering women with the necessary skills in order to equip them to make invaluable additions to society.

“SPWC ought not to neglect the nurturing and mentoring of young women into leadership positions. As it is imperative for continuity. Equally, do not neglect the boy child. Be deliberate in your efforts towards roping in young women and harnessing their potential for the greater benefit of the SPWC and the SWAPO Party, by extension,” he said.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency