By Hilda Basson Namundjebo
Weeks before Mee Netumbo was sworn in as Namibia’s first female president, I was significantly unnerved wondering about the capacity of Namibian women to help her lead.
An exceptionally qualified individual, it is worth noting that I have absolutely no qualms about her leadership qualities. Her leadership capabilities have been honed for more than 7 decades and I regard Namibia as blessed to have the cover of a gracious lady, one who is wise, skilled and compassionate.
As I indulged a bit further to introspect, I invited Honourable Sanet Steenkamp and Hon Maureen Hinda to a talk show to deliberate on how ready we as women are as to serve, and to do so excellently.
This milestone signifies progress, but also carries a generational responsibility. The late Dr Myles Munroe in his book entitled “The Burden of Freedom” makes the case that freedom is not free, and that countries which have gained independence must be mindful of the higher level of responsibility that accompanies freedom. He further purports that people may unconsciously prefer the perceived safety of oppression because it absolves them of the demands of freedom, which includes agency, self-discipline, hard work and the acceptance of personal political responsibility.
I am often intrigued by the manner in which a citizenry responds to a government policy statement that makes a demand on people to take responsibility and to lay claim to a stake in their future. All too often, we rush into a blame game because that is how absolve ourselves of our individual and collective responsibility.
Genuine freedom requires a greater level of discipline, accountability and stewardship over one’s life and environment. Embracing freedom requires a different way of conduct. And as this generation of women who lead whether we serve on boards, in the C-suite, in your community, the onus is on us to show up – for ourselves, for the broader community of females and also for H.E President Ndaitwah.
We may not like it and we may even say that you didn’t sign up to be anyone’s role model but the fact is as a leader, you have influence whether you serve in corporate, a local authority or in government. Shall I remind you that Dr John Maxwell defines leadership as influence? It is not a position, it is nor a title; it is responsibility.
I make the case that representation matters, and that it intersects with leadership, and therefore women must approach this moment with responsibility rather than entitlement. After all, we are not here to decorate the table—we are here to enlarge it.
Understanding the Burden of Representation
When someone from a historically marginalized group rises to prominence, they often represent more than themselves. Their successes—or failures—become a reflection of an entire demographic. This dynamic is visible in politics, sports, and corporate spaces.
Similarly, Namibia’s first female president will not simply be judged as an individual leader but as a symbol of female political leadership in the country and on the continent. This is a legacy moment, one to which women must rise as a collective and uphold the arms of this generation’s female Moses, like Aaron and Hur held up the arms of Moses during a time of great challenge and contest. It is a time where we must remember Ubuntu; that she is because we are and that we are because she is!
Leadership is not a solo act
While this achievement is momentous, women in leadership must recognize that representation alone is not the goal—effective governance is!
The presence of a female president should not lull women into a passive expectation that representation will automatically lead to transformation. Therefore, we must lead in such a manner that the front pages of the newspapers herald the successes more than the misses. Our impact must be felt and alter the lived experience for Namibia who depend on us to speak for them in the rooms where they are not present.
This is an opportunity to forge closer networks and to shape leadership norms, ensuring that women leaders lead with competence, compassion for each other, integrity, and inclusivity. These networks of collaboration will reduce the psychological pressure that engulfs women in leadership and will assist with feeling connected and less isolated.
Perception and the Extra Mile
Whether we acknowledge it or not, black women still face deeply ingrained perceptions regarding competence. It is our leadership capacity which is often met with skepticism, forcing women to go the extra mile to prove themselves. This challenge isn’t unique to Namibia—it’s a reality across Africa and beyond.
Women in power must recognize that scrutiny will be heightened—not as an excuse, but as a call to excellence. Therefore, each decision, policy, and governance approach will contribute to dismantle stereotypes.
The Responsibility of Now
Leadership is never just about holding a title—it’s about impact, governance, and reshaping norms. Women—leaders or aspiring leaders—must embrace competence over complacency, excellence over entitlement, and vision over validation. The moment is here, and how it unfolds will be determined by the choices we make on a daily basis.
*Hilda is a business leader, public speaker and a seasoned broadcast journalist. Founder of the national brand and organisation Team Namibia, Hilda believes her purpose is to impact the world with kindness, one engagement at a time.
