Namfisa Deputy Chief Executive Officer Erna Motinga has urged women to hold hands as they infiltrate male-dominated leadership roles.
Motinga said there is a need to unite and use their expertise to play a role in the environmental, social and governance spheres.
“Women are collectively faced with the challenges of participating in higher decision-making structures, that is why it is pivotal for us to chart the path and way forward on how we can take centre stage. Also, we need to devise strategies to create a positive impact because we are intelligent, determined and united with the power to break the barriers and pave the way for young women who aspire to lead.”
Addressing the third edition of the Namibia Women in Finance and Insurance Summit organised by Namibia Reinsurance (NamibRe) in Windhoek on Thursday, Motinga urged the women to consider the young generation in all deliberations and strategies.
The summit focuses on sustainable finance and responsible insurance women pioneering environmental, social, and governance practices.
“We are here to foster relationships that can inspire, enlighten and shape the minds and future of females participating in decision-making positions. Hence, let’s strive for meaningful ideas and strategies,” she added.
She added that female leaders can play an indispensable role because of their unique perspective, as they are interconnected to financial decisions with social and environmental outcomes.
“We can set a powerful example for the next generation of female financial professionals, showing that it is not only possible but also imperative to build a future where profit and purpose coexist,” said Motinga.
“Moreover, this summit is a reminder that the road ahead may be challenging, but we are more than capable of overcoming every obstacle.”
She said sustainable finance and responsible insurance represent the compass guiding the finance and insurance industries into the future as the world grapples with environmental crises, social disparities and governance challenges.
“Hence, sustainable finance ensures that our investments and financial decisions align with long-term environmental and social goals. Thus, responsible insurance demands that we assess risks with an ethical lens, considering the broader implications of our actions. The relevance of these principles goes beyond mere corporate responsibility. Instead, they are integral to the survival and success of our industry,” she said.