By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK, Aug. 11 — This August, Momentum Metropolitan Namibia introduces the groundbreaking Womentum campaign, a powerful initiative symbolized by a bold inversion of their signature “M,” reinforcing the #SheOwnsHerSuccess movement. Womentum is dedicated to spotlighting the diverse triumphs of women across financial, personal, and professional domains – an essential message in the face of a persistent global gender pay gap ranging from 10% to 20%.
Throughout history, women have surmounted countless barriers, from ingrained cultural norms to outdated workplace paradigms. These obstacles have sometimes overshadowed their achievements, leading many to downplay their remarkable successes.
Denille, Group Executive: Marketing at Momentum Metropolitan Namibia, passionately emphasizes, “Womentum transcends fleeting trends and hashtags. It encapsulates our resounding call for women to unabashedly celebrate their achievements, regardless of scale or complexity.” She adds, “Women seek equality, not dominance, aspiring to equal rights, opportunities, and recognition. This core belief guides us towards a society that’s harmonious, just, inclusive, and thriving.” At its core, Womentum embodies empowerment, inviting women to shape their narratives of success, fostering inclusivity, and creating an environment that empowers others to recognize their boundless potential.
Reflecting on Namibia’s journey toward gender equity, Denille elaborates on the nation’s transformation since Independence. Pioneering legislation, such as the 1990 constitution and the 1996 Married Persons Equality Act, stand as testimony to Namibia’s dedication to gender fairness. A rising trend in secondary education enrollment among Namibian women signifies a transformative shift. Moreover, Namibia secures an impressive eighth rank in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, positioning it among the nations making commendable strides towards gender parity.
Recent progress includes Namibia receiving praise from the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) for adopting its first national action plan on women, peace, and security for 2019-2024. This significant move acts as an additional measure reinforcing women’s rights frameworks.
Namibia’s journey towards gender parity showcases both advancements and challenges. Despite efforts to bridge the gender wage gap, disparities linger, particularly within family income dynamics. Unfortunately, certain societal perceptions still gravitate towards the unsettling notion of women’s perceived subservience. An alarming statistic highlights this issue: a notable segment of the population, including both men and women aged 15-49, consider domestic violence tolerable in specific scenarios.
Denille underscores Momentum’s guiding principles, stating, “Our ethos is inherently aligned with empowerment and inclusion. Recognizing the numerous challenges women face, our conviction remains unshaken: with the right resources, mentorship, and unwavering support, every woman can carve her path to success. We envision a world where each woman is motivated to harness her talents, from business acumen to entrepreneurial prowess.”
Womentum emerges as a beacon, not just celebrating women’s significant milestones but also urging society to confront inherent biases. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating empathy for the multifaceted roles and experiences women navigate, both professionally and personally.
By creating a united ecosystem that acknowledges and addresses the challenges women encounter, Momentum aspires to champion not only women’s triumphs but also the advancement of society as a whole. In conclusion, Denille invites the public to join them in celebrating the achievements of every woman and collaboratively strive towards a more inclusive and progressive society.
