Mariental: Mariental Urban Constituency councillor Iswarin Rooi on Monday used her maiden speech in the National Council (NC) to advocate for women and youth empowerment, while encouraging young Namibians from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue leadership roles. Rooi, who recently became the first female regional councillor for Mariental Urban Constituency and currently the only female councillor in the Hardap Regional Council, said her journey to Parliament should serve as motivation to young people, particularly girls, that leadership spaces are accessible to all Namibians regardless of background or gender.According to Namibia Press Agency, Rooi emphasized the importance of creating opportunities and mentorship for future generations during her first address in the National Council. She expressed her desire for young girls to recognize that leadership roles are open to them and that their time to lead is now. Concurrently, she urged young boys to adopt discipline, humility, responsibility, and service-o riented leadership.Rooi stated that Namibia's future hinges on leaders providing opportunities and hope for young people. The Swapo parliamentarian reflected on her political journey, explaining how she rose through the party ranks over several years, beginning at the grassroots level, then serving in regional leadership structures, and later as a member of the Swapo Party Youth League central committee. She highlighted that her leadership journey taught her discipline, patience, and humility.Rooi underscored her 17 years of service as Swapo regional administrator in the Hardap Region, saying that the experience exposed her to community challenges and deepened her understanding of servant leadership. The parliamentarian pledged to prioritize issues affecting ordinary Namibians, including youth empowerment, women empowerment, healthcare access, education, rural development, sport development, and service delivery.Coming from the Hardap Region, Rooi said she has witnessed the struggles faced by communitie s, including unemployment, poverty, and water challenges. She noted these experiences continue to shape her understanding of leadership and public service. Rooi further committed herself to working across party lines in the interest of nation-building and development, stating that despite differing political backgrounds and regions, the unified responsibility is to serve the people of Namibia.Rooi concluded her speech by reaffirming her commitment to ethical governance, servant leadership, and people-centered development.