Women’s conference advocates for financial independence for women and girls

The third edition of the Namibia National Women’s Conference was held on 1 August at the Dome in Swakopmund, drawing more than 400 women from across the country. Attendees travelled from Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Karibib, Omaruru, Usakos and the northern regions to take part in the day-long gathering.

The conference brought together institutional leaders and key stakeholders, including representatives from the Correctional Service and the Namibian Police, as well as the Mayor of Swakopmund. The keynote address was delivered by Acting Inspector General Major General Nainda.

Speaking on the outcomes of the conference, organiser Fillemon Amoolongo, also known as DJ Munene, said the central theme was financial independence for women and girls.

“The outcome of the conference was for the women and girls to be financially independent, as well as to avoid being financially dependent on other people, which may also be one of the major root causes of violence against them,” he said.

Protecting Children Through Early Conversations

Delegates also discussed the importance of parents talking to children early about relationships and body safety. Amoolongo said parents should teach children about their bodies, why certain parts are private, and how to protect themselves.

“This is very important so that the child should know as they are growing up that there are certain parts that should be protected, and if a person is touching you either way, they need to report it with immediate effect, so that any sort of violence in future can be prevented,” he said.

Rethinking Gift-Giving and Relationships

The conference also tackled the dynamics between men and women in relationships, particularly around gift-giving. Amoolongo said men should give without expecting anything in return.

“They must not give to feel entitled to anybody’s daughter, but they must give from the bottom of their heart, and they must give as a gift, but not to give as to expect somebody to stick their heart to them for the rest of their life,” he said.

Discussions further encouraged men to understand women fully — their likes, dislikes and boundaries — so that no one feels forced into a relationship. Delegates also raised the importance of couples dating within their means to avoid complications around financial stability.

Education and Shared Solutions

Education also featured prominently in conference discussions, with delegates emphasising its role in empowering women and preventing violence.

Amoolongo described the conference as a significant platform for dialogue among Namibian women.

“This is what happened at the Third Edition of Namibia National Women’s Conference, and it was really a very impactful conference in terms of sharing of ideas and finding amicable solutions to issues that are putting women of our country’s life at risk,” he said.

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