Women are still saying something

Women Empowerment

By: Abiatal PM Malungah

Women empowerment begins with giving power to women and strengthening them to take up posts or tasks of high rank. Empowerment creates power in women over their lives, society and in their communities. When women are equipped and allowed to make life determining decisions in different aspects of life within any society, they are empowered.

These days’ women are able to take up jobs which some societies thought could be only done by men. Some women have studied hard, excelled and displayed beautiful attributes which have enabled them to be promoted to become  presidents, ministers, leaders and in other high level positions.

Other women have realized talents in themselves and trust that hard work doesn’t kill but pays off. Some have taken their communities to the next level by becoming best community practitioners, rendering a helping hand in communities and developing individuals within their communities. This means that women are also able to execute duties just like men who have been praised all year’s long. In Namibia, women are trying their best in empowering others and in carrying out different tasks.

1.Emma Theofelus

Emma is one of the empowered Namibian young women whom us women are currently celebrating. She has been an inspirational youth and a role model to many individuals. At a very young age, she became the Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology and recently promoted to a youth representative in Africa. This has not only proven that women can lead the nation by taking up difficult tasks but can also trigger a sense of hard work in others.

She invests most of her time in empowering youths and other women. Being well educated, she dedicates her knowledge in teaching and guiding others. She educates other young women on issues including sexual reproductive health, rights, financial literacy, teen pregnancies, education and career.

 Emma has been working with the youth for quite a long time. She is a true  leader and a best example of an empowered young woman that most of us women should embrace.

2.  Mrs Helena MN Joshua- Shatika

Mrs Shatika is one of the best young-few- female school leaders in the northern part of Namibia. The fact that she is a woman does not pull her down. Being a school principal is a difficult job and like any other jobs, there are people who are not able to handle it. Many years ago, most principals were only male. This is because the society had labelled women as weak and incapable which is totally wrong.

Mrs Shatika is an  examporaly and instructional young energetic-female leader that most women admire. She is a golden hearted empowered woman, Well-educated and correctly articulated. Her leadership has yielded favourable results and impressing academic pass rate for her school. Dealing with teachers, support staff, parents, learners, community members and individuals of different age group, mindset and backgrounds are some of the challenging tasks which may require muscles but as for Mrs Shatika, in her portable body, has won against all odds. She is an outstanding female leader, a role model and a true Definition of an empowered woman

3. Mrs Petrina Shiimi

Women are created as caring individuals. They have the ability to nurture and raise children. They even bring and protect life on earth. Thus, when we empower women, we bless the whole nation. The trait of bringing up children is also an important duty that women take up. For instance, in the Northern part of Namibia, we find  a lady with a caring heart and the one who has great love for children. She is the founder of Oonte vulnerable Children OVC, a non-Profit organisation. For many years now,  Mrs Shiimi has been a pillar of the community, dedicating her life to care for orphans and vulnerable souls.

In the picture below Mrs  Shiimi is by podium

Oonte OVC organisation is a non Residential not Profit Organisation serving over 610 Children in Odangwa Town and the vicinity. Oonte offers meal programs, psycho-social support,home based care, cultural clubs and educational programs to create HIV/AIDS awareness, computer Literacy classes and vocational opportunities.

Children of Oonte OVC

Mrs Shiimi is an empowered woman, a peace advocate and a blessing that strives for the betterment of our future leaders. In the picture below, second from right, she receives donations from King ELIFAS KAULUMA and his Queen SECILIA KAULUMA of Ondonga.

4. Ms Ndapamekwa

Ms Ndapamekwa is a modern Namibian empowered woman enterpreneurer. Hailing from Odangwa, she is a hard working successful business woman with a clear vision. She has a healthy level of confidence and believes in her ability and skills. She is very innovative and a strong-minded woman. In her own capacity she came up with the production of a 100%  pure honey.

Apiculture/Farming bees requires knowledge, time,commitment and practice. Ms Ndapamekwa is a  bold woman who carries out the daily tasks of her farm. she is so ambitious and looks at the bright opportunities life brings. The drive to transform her visions is strong and all her decisions are made towards achieving her company’s success. She is always on the look out to improve the company’s standing. That is why today, she is successful and the community is so proud of her as she produces high quality honey, full of best nutrients that fights a lot of ailments. She is an empowered woman, and through her acts, we are inspired. Ms Ndapamekwa's honey is sold in big and small markets through out the country.

5 Ms Alina Shilongo

In one of the deep villages of the far northern part of Namibia we find Ms Alina Shilongo a very determined woman. Although she has now become a teacher, she was robbed of her teenage hood by the death of her  parents who died earlier and left her with a burden of taking care of her 10 siblings. As tiny as she was by then, the weight of being a mother to those whom she never gave birth too became heavy.  This did not make her lose focus but made her stronger.

Ms Alina became a local empowered entrepreneur  at a very young age, brewing a traditional liquor from local palm fruits, a habit she is still enjoying. she also  extracted traditional "omahuku" from marula trees. She sold these in the localities and that's how she managed to raise her 7 brothers and 3 sisters.

6. Beehive Kindergarten

The advantage of empowered women is that, they empower others through their acts and speeches. Looking at how women are taking care of their communities and leading the nation touches hearts. I am no exception, as I also got empowered by all these women and came up with

(a) A small kindergarten for vulnerable children in my community. Beehive Kindergarten is a non profit organisation, caring for more than 30 children in one of the deepest villages of Namibia. The kindergarten offers Early childhood development classes, education on HIV/AIDS pandemic,sport activities, psychological and social support and home care support.

The kindergarten is highly supported by the community members and friends who help out with cleaning and carrying out other necessary activities to assist the volunteer teacher taking care of the children.

(b) The Six Sisters

 Women empowerment speaks louder and appeals to the heart. I personally think that It is an act of a woman strengthening another woman to reach greater heights. It is a way of emulating other successful women for the betterment of oneself and those around you.  When women carry out positive discussion a lot of successful projects are achieved.

(In reference the picture below) On this day, as empowered women,we  had a lot of fruitful discussions, and formed different projects to better our selves and our community. On this same day “The six sisters” a non profit organisation by which we make a monthly fee contribution to raise  fund to care for the orphans and needy of our community is one of the project we established. The organisation just kicked off yet, making a meaningful progress.

Through empowering each other, women can learn positive changes such as relieving stress by keeping themselves busy, this promotes happiness  in their lives. Empowered women are independent and able to help their spouses in providing for their families. Empowered women engage in making up their minds and follow best decisions. They form projects to earn money for supporting their families and their communities by working through their abilities.  Sisterhood, team work  and many other lessons relating to our ways of living are achieved when women inspire others.

To all the women out there, get out of your comfort zone. Get out of your "cacoons" and find something to do. Educated or not, life has a lot of opportunities. It all depends on how hard you try. Start Now,  Stop Wasting time,it’s not late yet.

The video below is a little encouragement to all the fellow women out there.

Nb: All pictures used here are subjected to copy right.

If he could turn back the time

Are you aware that Grago’s life has become a caricature of his life time? The fine life he once lived is now a dream that never materialized. The latest Mercedes Benz GLE 450, the fine-light tall girls, the exclusive apartment he rented out, the box of cash he carried in the boot of his jeep, everything, I mean everything has vanished. He is back to his mother’s one room house in the deepest forest of the unknown world, which he never considered a house since time immemorial. His nick name Greg-The-Boss has become as silent as the grave. Perhaps it is taking a break; it seems to have disappeared into thin air too. Everyone whispers behind his back, everyone seems to be shocked. His new look is missing the taste.

None of Grago’s friends wants to be associated with him. Every girl has a reason in defending why she would never have socialized with Grago. His withering body has lost all the appetizers. The muscles are now hiding in his bones, his clothes have shrunk and his million Jewells hang loose on his long thin neck. He looks even taller than the palm trees of his village. In his lonely world, he now greets every one he comes across. He sometimes waves to the bushes, birds flying and to the cattle grazing in his village. It’s so funny how life can be so unpredictable. Grago is walking a trip, a journey from Cape to Cairo, thus, from being a millionaire, to a beggar. His polished English that he articulates so well at the “shebeens” of his mother land has brought him a new nickname, the Head Master.

Now listen to me. We can’t all be Grago. You and I are different people, but will talk the same language if we teach ourselves to be responsible. Don’t you think it was wiser for Grago to have built his own room or house before flashing the cash all over? Don’t you think Grago deserves a thorough knock on the head for not building a proper house for his mum? When Grago was rich he forgot that greetings cost zero dollars. We can’t wait for poverty to teach us manners.  You say hie, I’ll say halloo, and then we conquer the day. I wish I could find Grago and bring him over to you to ask him why he behaved so. Unfortunately Grago is imaginary.

Now let’s talk Saving Money

When you keep your money safe somewhere, you feel proud of yourself. You can now talk of investing here and there and you are ready to face most of the life calamities. You walk with your arms flying high and your head reaching the stars. When you save money, you have enough time to think of how to use your money unlike when you just squander it blindly. I understand the notion of “put your money where your mouth is” ,but let’s not forget that we have to save. From the little we make, be it a salary, business or whatever have you, money knows no color. Save, save and save. Unless if you want to be the next Grago.

We have to teach our children the importance of saving too. Kids learn amazingly well while young. So, before their minds are contaminated with the worst challenges of life, let’s save them from being the next Grago. If our children learn how to save their money while young, we will save them from the headache of not taking loans, borrowing from First Street to Fourth Street and will train them to be responsible individuals.

Little Stacey have said it so well in the video below.

Now don’t you think saving is important? I then wish you all the best as you embark on your journey of saving your money endlessly. I am starting today too; you have to wish me luck too. Oh by the way, if any of you meet a real life Grago, the best thing to do is to encourage him to start saving before it is too late. Remind him that sometimes friends are only there when the field is green and vanish when the rain has stopped.

Thanks that you will start to save now. See you when I bring you the next week article.
 Cheers! Kisses and hugs.

Note: The story on Grago is a mere imagination. It is used just to remind us of the possibility of it happening in real life. If there is any individual who has the same name, my apology.

(Video) Corona: Together we conquer

The war is ain't over yet. The video below is on fighting Corona. The tree here in my background is the Neem tree.

Let's Fight together. We gotta stop Corona!

THANKS FOR WATCHING

A minute of Terror

It was in broad day light, yet everyone was running as fast as one’s legs could afford. 
An ugly creature, larger than life itself, trailed behind them. Its huge arms grabbed and squeezed humans one by one mercilessly. Children on their tiny legs ran speeding. Those whose mouths have tasted salt for so long got their limbs cracked, their bodies tossed and ripped apart. It was blood all over. With the immortal beast approaching, I could still feel my legs heavy, stuck in the mud of my yard. Yelling and screaming for help, I kicked the side bed light. Its cranking sound as it fell on the ground woke me from the terrible nightmare. Sweating in my pyjamas I recalled a conversation I had the previous day with my neighbour on a deadly pandemic COVID-19 which she referred to as a giant on the universe.

It’s exactly four days since the cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in my mother land, the Land of the Brave Namibia. A state of emergency was declared by the responsible authority which resulted into a lock down. In an attempt to curb the virus, close social interaction is discouraged and gatherings are cut off. My community is so quiet and life seems to be fictional.

I am used to a live community, children singing and giggling as they play outside their yards, elders telling stories and laughing out loud as they take a walk in groups within the hood , boys playing soccer and girls chatting as they escort each other from the land of never ending stories. All this, just in a blink of an eye seems to have gone. The virus has buried the best ways of our lives. Like still waters, the silence is too silent. It is a difficult life; a life of isolation evokes fear.

Though I am not from the Health Department, as an Educator I still think it is wiser to send out a message to my fellow countrymen to remain calm and fight this predicament together. I encourage all of the fellow citizens of the universe to follow the news, especially from the World Health Organisation and to obey directives from the Health Personnel. We must also use this period to our advantage. For instance to teach our children life time activities such as cooking and cultivating. Most of all we must try to avoid posting unconfirmed news which may cause pandemonium within the human race across the globe.


The presence of COVID-19 in my mother land has sent a few into panic mode, some into questions without answers and others feel it is a punishment from Mother Nature, but for a meantime what we should know is that:

COVID-19/Corona virus Disease 2019

is a respiratory disease spreading throughout the world and has no vaccine currently.

Some of the Symptoms are- 

fever,cough, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath which may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people may recover quickly while others may get sick very quickly.

COVID-19 Can be prevented by

• not touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• washing your hands frequently  and thoroughly with soap and water for more than 30 seconds.
• cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces which are often used.
• avoiding contact with people who are ill.

• covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and never  re-use the tissue

•  Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• isolating yourself from others when infected or suspects so (self quarantine)

COVID-19 spreads through:

•  close contact with droplets from an infected persons cough or sneeze

• Touching objects or surfaces such as tables, cellphone,doorknobs from an infected person and then touching your mouth or face.

We therefore have to:

• remain positive and accept the situation while fighting for our health.  

• avoid stressful situation and understand that change can be part of our daily lives. 

• Keep ourselves busy, reading and doing what we enjoy most

In my case, I enjoy gardening, so as soon as Corona vanishes, you may join me 

I also love nature, it gives me peace. So whatever you love doing, that is what you gotta do now.

What a silent life, but yeah it's a temporary phenomena

NOTE: Corona Virus is a new virus thus there is no immunity to this disease in our communities. This means if we do not prevent it on time, it may spread fast. So, let us fight this new challenge together. It is only you and me who can bring change.            

The information used here is relevant, it is based on facts presented by health advocates during briefings on preventing Corona virus.

My Mirror.

Its more than ten years now, but I can still vividly remember the tons of barrels of tears I cried. Yes, on that day, I discovered that I was accepted to enroll for a health related course at one of the Northern Namibian Campuses. During those times, one had to source for registration money which on my side was a thought in vain. Eeish! By then, poverty was real.  Who knows? by now I could have furthered and could have become one of the doctors fighting corona virus right now. Anyway, today I am a proud educator. A contemporary educator, who has vowed to instill strength and hope in those around. The pain of not affording further studies is not the only challenge faced by our youth, but a whole lot,thus guiding our youths can be just one super idea. Its all about lending a helping hand remember?

 Through Behavioral Change, a program I integrate in my teachings, I am glad to bring to you some of my products. Please join me right now as I take you through these little ones who are fighting against all odds while upgrading different talents.

1. Let’s meet Ruby-Nation, the gent with a rich bank of words, the entertainer from birth. At whatever gathering, he would make every one roll on the ground with laughter. Today he speaks music. 

We can’t ignore this talent, you got to sponsor this guy. Just look at this video

Its the right thing to do. so  order your CD from Rubby-nation and entertain yourself.

2. Look at Joana. This queen was one of the focused learners, she is a kind that does not rest before succeeding. Joana's jokes are far-fetched. Apart from being a student at one of the prominent local Universities, doing her Honours Degree in Secondary Education majoring in Languages, she is also a local Brand Promoter.

For your event, you must contact her. You may as well sign her up for  local and or even international brand promoting.

We call her BIG EYES, I bet from the photo down, you may all tell why.

3. Here comes  the Artist. Aksel The Artist has that rare talent which is difficult to come by.Before he joined the College of Arts,

Aksel The Artist could already draw anything that he could comes across.

 He is  best of the best

  At this young age, Aksel The Artist can deliver. Do not forget to halla at him   whenever need arises.

4.I won’t rest before I bring to you the Golden hearted girl. The most humble, respectful and quiet obedient Kachana. She is a fourth year student pursuing an Honours Degree in Public Health

Public health is the science of protecting and improving health of communities through promoting a healthy life style by preventing and detecting injuries as well  as preventing and responding to infectious diseases.

Kachana spends most of her time in the Laboratory. Her message to you is that "organized effort from individuals and their communities is one of the most important factors to achieve health", thus let’s keep our selves healthy.

Kachana and the team are here smiling at you, reminding you to live a healthy life style.

5. Before you escape, kindly look at the young upcoming Musician. Let’s welcome Gabes on stage.Dancing like he got no bones, Gabes is a talented young man who is trying his level best to keep the nation entertained.  for you to watch his videos, Just Sign him up! sponsor the boy now? Isn't that simple?

In short, what I am trying to say is, sometimes it is really important for one to reflect and look back. The road we have traveled may encourage us to inspire others. We must aim at leaving beautiful  foot prints  behind,so if we all contribute in directing our youths , we will all have a better tomorrow. What are you waiting for? Call someone, tell them they can make it. I just did.

For any talent that you wish to sponsor from this article, we won't see you twice. For now, stay well and see you next week as I bring to you new opinions.

For all the pictures and videos featuring here, right has been granted by the rightful owner.!

The Roots

Just like how a tree needs strong roots to penetrate deep into the hardest core of the earth for its survival and well-being, so as the human being. I believe that human beings have birth rights, which the nature has already invested into the culture and traditions of the clan or societal group they belong to. It is therefore the responsibility of the people of a certain clan, tribe or tradition to deepen the roots of their dos and do not’s by maintaining their cultural and traditional ways of living. Appreciating ones culture, brings unity through interaction. Interaction helps us to study others and gives us a chance to see how we can help one another in our communities. This promotes peace and team work which is vital for all of us living humans. Team work  develops communities

This article is a journey into the cultural and traditional ways of my clan, please sit down and enjoy the ride.

 
From Owamboland, in the Northern part of Namibia, hails the Oshiwambo speaking people. These people make up the largest part of the Namibian population and are referred to as Wambo. The Wambo clan comprises of many different dialects which include: Kwambi,ndonga,kwanyama,mbadja,ngandjera,kwaluudhi,kolonkadhi and mbalantu. The unique concept about these eight dialects is that, as Wamboes, we can all understand each other and communicate very well.

1.  Dressing Code

 The Wambo people are identified by their beautiful bright pink colored attire called “Odhelela”. Sometimes this attire is worn accompanied by many other symbolical objects such as cow-skin belts which symbolizes the pride we have in our cows. Cows are part of our riches. The attire can also be worn together with mussel shell beads which symbolizes our sea. The beads can be in the neck and waist and depict how wealthier an individual is.

 The pink Odhelela attire can be designed in many different styles. The culture does not discriminate, thus even children can be accommodated in their little pink designs.

 Mothers of the Oshiwambo clan love dressing their kids in the traditional attire to instill the sense of belonging and the love of culture.

 Matured Wambo ladies prefer different kinds of smart designs which perfects their looks.

 A wambo Couple can also design an attire in the way that favours them.

 Within the designs of our attires, there is also a traditional everyday-worn dress called “eentulo/ohema yeentulo”. This kind of dress is slightly different and can be designed in different kinds of materials of different colors. The word “Ontulo” which literary means chest, depicts that this kind of dress has a unique design at the chest part.

While Some may still prefer this kind of dress in pink color, others may prefer it in different colors.

2. Cultural Events 

 Our culture entails a lot of different kinds of events such as welcoming and naming a new born in the family, celebrating the birth of twins, Omagongo festival, namesake dressing a bride before the wedding day are some of the best events. We also have a specific day, just for celebrating culture.During these events, Wamboes are still identified by the beautiful pink. Friends and visitors do take part in these events too.

Celebrating the Oshiwambo culture on the cultural day

3. Traditional dishes and beverages

The Wambo people have a variety of traditional food. The mopane worms, are one of the largest edible caterpillar. They grow on mopane trees and are said to be rich in protein . They are a very delicious meal which is important to the wamboes .

 Amongst the traditional dishes omboga” wild spinach is also one of the common dish. It can be eaten fresh or after drying it in the sun. After it is dried in the sun it is called ehanda/ekaka

dried omboga

Beverages

The Marula tree "omugongo" is one of the most  important indigenous trees around. It  gives  Marula fruits which produce Marula traditional beer and many other benefits.

marula fruits

 The marula fruits are squeezed to extract juice which later on ferment and turns into a traditional marula beer

The traditional bird plum tree "omuye"

The fruits are eaten fresh or dried. The fruits can also be used for Wambo liquor a traditional beer

 4.Artifacts

Our culture is rich in artifacts. The most common ones are the weaved baskets,clay pots,wooden cups, bows and arrows, herding sticks and wooden spoons. Few years ago, baskets were only made from palm leaves, but now they can be made barely from anything that can stretch.Baskets are used in many ways, but there is one way which surpasses all. That is,when we go for a visit, we put gifts and wrap the baskets in an attractive cloth. We carry our baskets on the head to show that the visitor has come in peace. When visiting a family which is mourning, the baskets are carried in hands to show that the visitor is also mourning.

A beautiful young lady of my clan displaying a Palm leaves's basket

Basket from other kinds of materials

 Going for a happy visit

 Clay pots are also part of our artifacts. They are made from clay soil. For the clay pot to be successfully made, a hole is in the ground and covered on top. The underground hole resembles a warm room and it is called “odzimbogo”

The clay pots are then thrown in the fire and burned so that they become strong and change from the greyish colour to an attractive brown reddish colour

 The owambo artifacts also include the wooden cups “omaholo”. Wooden cups are used for drinking. On the wedding day, the wooden cup is filled with the fermented traditional beer "omalovu giilya"and  it is given to the bride to drink, the bride will then pass the wooden cup to the groom to finish the drink. This symbolizes the journey of sharing the new couple is embarking on.

Bows and arrows also play an important role in culture of a wambo. On the wedding day, it is very necessary for a representative from the father side of the groom to reward the groom with bows, arrows and a herding stick. This is for the groom to take care of his family and protect the family from whatever kinds of attacks. The herding stick symbolizes that the groom shall herd a lot of cows and shall bare male children to herd the fathers cattle.

 During the wedding ceremonies, artifacts of all kinds are passed on to the couple as presents from brides maids and from people of the community.

 Wamboes also respect a hoe as part of their artifact. They use it to cultivate Mahangu” finger millet" which is the clan’s staple food. From a very early stage, children are trained by their parents on how to grow and cultivate finger millets using a hoe.

After harvesting, the finger millet grains are dried and poured into a hole-like opening in the ground, oshini” and grinded with a pounding stick, omushi” until it turns into meal meal. However, living in wet Namibia, one has to think fast and own a mobile grinding place due to the fact that during the raining season, the usual grinding place will be under water.

 We also have different kinds of weaved storage. In the storage we keep our belonging safe. It all depends with the size. Ranging from smaller storage where we keep our beads and necklaces to bigger storage where we keep Mahangu finger millet for a whole year.

 You know what? staying far fromyour village, must not let you forget your roots. in my case, the love of my culture has followed me to wherever I have traveled to . Look up my cardboard there. Can You see those baskets? There are a lot of different artifacts of my tribe there.

 Before we end the journey, look at how we carry babies of our clan. Here, a beautiful cloth is turned into a baby carry bag which one can choose to either carry the baby from the front or at the back. I personally love carrying my babies on the back because I have a lot of chores to attend to.

 Now u know my roots, how about you telling me about yours?......OK... OK I heard you. Just allow me to thank you for being on this journey with me.  Remember, a united clan can kill an elephant with one stone, so embrace your culture.

If you find any design or artifact of our clan that you would like to have, kindly let us know. the designers are from my community. I will be glad if you decide to support them. You may just lend them a helping hand. Stay tuned for next week's article. 

Note : All rights reserved for the pictures used in this article