Esther Muinjangue Expresses Confidence in President-Elect Nandi-Ndaitwah

Esther Utjiua Muinjangue, a prominent Namibian politician, has expressed her strong confidence in president-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is set to become Namibia’s first female president. Muinjangue acknowledged the challenges women face in leadership while emphasizing the supportive role of society, hoping that Nandi-Ndaitwah’s tenure inspires more women to pursue political careers. Muinjangue reflected on her own political journey and the scrutiny faced by female leaders in Namibia, contrasting her experiences with the progress made by the ruling Swapo party in terms of gender representation.

Esther Utjiua Muinjangue, the former Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services and the first woman to lead a political party in Namibia, has conveyed her confidence in president-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. She affirms that Nandi-Ndaitwah has demonstrated her capabilities in various leadership roles.

Muinjangue remarked, “I have full confidence in the abilities of the president-elect. I trust her,” indicating strong belief in the new leader as Nandi-Ndaitwah prepares for her historic inauguration. Her election represents a significant advancement for women in politics, coinciding with Namibia’s Independence Day celebrations.

Although Muinjangue did not directly equate her experience as a political leader to that of the Head of State, she acknowledged the ongoing obstacles women encounter in leadership positions. She explained, “It is widely agreed that women are just as deserving as men when it comes to leadership, but challenges remain in Namibia’s patriarchal society.”

Muinjangue expressed optimism regarding Nandi-Ndaitwah’s capabilities, stating, “The president-elect is a seasoned politician. She has vast experience, and is more than capable of leading this country.” She emphasized the importance of supporting the president-elect as a united nation.

Throughout her political career, Muinjangue has advocated for democracy, gender equality, and socio-economic development. In 2019, she made history by winning the National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) presidential race and was re-elected in 2020, despite facing challenges in a patriarchal political environment.

Reflecting on her experiences, Muinjangue noted the harsher scrutiny faced by female politicians in Namibia. She shared, “I was judged more harshly than my male colleagues, and my leadership abilities were constantly questioned.”

Muinjangue contrasted her journey with that of Nandi-Ndaitwah, remarking on the differences in their leadership experiences. She acknowledged that while her position in Nudo was groundbreaking, the ruling party Swapo has made significant strides in gender representation in politics.

Despite these challenges, Muinjangue believes this historic moment will motivate more women to engage in leadership roles and urges society to dismantle barriers that hinder women.

In conclusion, Esther Utjiua Muinjangue has confidently endorsed the capabilities of president-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, emphasizing the importance of supporting female leadership in Namibia. The former Deputy Minister highlighted the challenges women face in politics and expressed hope that Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency will inspire greater participation by women in leadership roles. Muinjangue’s reflections on her own experiences illustrate the ongoing struggles for gender equality within a patriarchal society. Nevertheless, she remains optimistic about the future of women in Namibian politics.

Original Source: allafrica.com