OVINJANGE, September 25 – Vice President Lucia Witbooi has urged women in Kunene Region to turn their collective strength into economic opportunities, calling for sustainable projects that can empower more women to participate in sectors such as agriculture and tourism.
Speaking at the Ondiri Peer Group General Assembly at Ovinjange Village on Friday, Witbooi said women’s empowerment was central to national development and urged women to strengthen their networks, build capacity and use their collective voice to influence decision-making.
“True progress cannot be realised if half of our population is left on the sidelines,” Witbooi said.
She said economic exclusion, social inequality and systemic barriers continue to prevent many women and girls from reaching their full potential, adding that government intervention alone would not be enough to address these challenges.
Witbooi commended the Ondiri Peer Group, established in 2002 by a group of young girls, for supporting women in the region through financial assistance, counselling and care for vulnerable members of society.
She encouraged the organisation to expand its services to more women, particularly those from marginalised communities and people living with disabilities.
“In Namibia, we live on the motto of inclusivity,” she said, urging women’s organisations to ensure that vulnerable groups are not left behind.
Under the theme “Women are the Pillars of Hope in our Communities,” Witbooi said peer networks provide an important platform for women to share knowledge, mentor one another and develop solutions to challenges affecting their communities.
She challenged the Ondiri Peer Group to become a stronger advocate for the rights of women and girls in Kunene and beyond.
“Let this peer group help advance and champion the rights of women and young girls in this Region and beyond,” she said.
Witbooi also called on members to establish income-generating projects that could make the organisation more economically sustainable and create opportunities for women.
She encouraged the group to explore agriculture and tourism while strengthening partnerships and expanding its collective voice in decision-making spaces.
Witbooi said the General Assembly should serve as an opportunity for members to develop stronger plans for the future and position the organisation as a source of hope and opportunity for women across the region and the country.
