women in leadership – Liberal News Network https://liberalnewsnetwork.com Mon, 02 Dec 2024 13:28:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 https://liberalnewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WhatsApp-Image-2024-09-06-at-20.47.55_6761ae0c-150x150.jpg women in leadership – Liberal News Network https://liberalnewsnetwork.com 32 32 Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Becomes Namibia’s First Female President Amid Controversy https://liberalnewsnetwork.com/2024/12/02/netumbo-nandi-ndaitwah-becomes-namibias-first-female-president-amid-controversy/ Mon, 02 Dec 2024 13:28:18 +0000 https://liberalnewsnetwork.com/?p=2971 Windhoek, Namibia – Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has made history by becoming Namibia’s first female president, a landmark achievement that is being hailed as a major step forward for gender equality in the country and by extension Africa. Nandi-Ndaitwah represented the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), and secured a resounding victory. Her win maintained the party’s 34-year long-standing dominance in Namibia’s political landscape since its independence in 1990.

Notably, Nandi-Ndaitwah has been a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and national unity. She also boasts of decades of experience in public service.  In her victory speech, she expressed her deep appreciation for the support of the Namibian people, particularly women and girls, and emphasized the importance of inclusive leadership.
“This victory is not just mine; it belongs to every Namibian, especially the women and girls who dared to dream of a future where they, too, can lead,”  stated Nandi-Ndaitwah.

Meanwhile, bouts of tension were experienced in certain parts of the country. Tensions flared in certain regions due to significant logistical failures reported by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN). Shortages of ballot papers and malfunctioning electronic tablets caused delays, leaving many voters standing in long queues for hours. These issues sparked complaints and protests, leading to an extension of voting hours in some areas.

Opposition candidate Panduleni Itula, from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), raised concerns over alleged electoral malpractice, claiming that the logistical failures were indicative of irregularities.

In a statement released after the election, Itula accused the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) of failing to address logistical challenges, such as the extension of voting in several locations, which he claimed were indicative of irregularities.

Despite these accusations, the ECN has upheld the integrity of the electoral process, even though some international observers noted some logistical hurdles but found no evidence of widespread electoral fraud.

Namibia embarks on a new era under the leadership of President Nandi-Ndaitwah. Her presidency marks a historic moment, presenting a unique opportunity to address critical challenges such as economic revitalization, job creation, and the adverse effects of climate change. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s administration is poised to prioritize gender equality, poverty reduction, and the creation of a more equitable and prosperous future for all Namibians.

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election as Namibia’s first female president is a groundbreaking moment not just for the country, but for the African continent as a whole, and offers a powerful example of what can be achieved when women are given the opportunity to lead at the highest levels of government.

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Kamala Harris Defeated yet Redefined https://liberalnewsnetwork.com/2024/11/07/kamala-harris-defeated-yet-redefined/ Thu, 07 Nov 2024 12:11:02 +0000 https://liberalnewsnetwork.com/?p=2618 Washington, U.S.A– In a heartfelt yet powerful appearance today, Kamala Harris addressed the nation, officially conceding her run for the White House. The night was historic in more ways than one, as Harris’s attempt to break the glass ceiling left by Hillary Clinton in 2016 ultimately came up short. For Harris and her supporters, the loss felt personal—a long-fought battle, bruising but proud, with the knowledge that change is never easy.

“It’s easy to think something is impossible just because it hasn’t been done before,” Harris said, echoing her rallying cry to women and girls who dream of leadership. “But for everyone watching, do not despair. This is just the beginning.”

“We have been intentional about building community and building coalitions, building people together from every walk of backgrounds.” Harris’s words were both humbling and powerful.

“We have so much in common than what separates us.” said Harris,” We must accept the results of this election.”

Kamala also committed to a peaceful transfer of power.  She also said, ” The fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we loose an election, we accept results.”

She also reminded Americans that hope and progress are paths with many setbacks. After an uphill campaign and relentless dedication, she held her head high, urging supporters to believe in what’s possible despite her loss.

Though the odds were against her as the election approached, polls showing slim chances at less than 5%, Harris remained unshaken, becoming a symbol for millions of women and minorities who saw themselves in her journey. The results, though heartbreaking for Democrats, were also undeniable, marking a moment for reflection but not defeat.

She vowed to continue the fight for democracy, rule of law, and equal justice.”Every one of us no matter who we are or where we stand out has fundamental freedoms that must be upheld.”

“The fight for our country is always worth it!”  lauded Harris.” Sometimes the fight may take a while but that does not mean that we won’t win.”

“This is not a time to despair, it’s a time to roll up our sleeves and organize, mobilize, and stay engaged for the sake of freedom and justice,” said  Harris.

Kamala Harris’ Presidential campaign may have fallen short, but the waves it created will ripple for generations. For her supporters, the message was clear: the dream is alive, even if it remains, for now, just out of reach. And as her words this morning reminded us, giving up isn’t an option, not now, and not ever. The road to shattering the glass ceiling remains, perhaps a bit longer, yet, Harris has shown us that it’s a road worth taking, again and again.

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