Tag Archives: Women empowerment

#WCW: UNIC Windhoek celebrates ophthalmologist Dr. Helena Ndume

Each Wednesday, the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Windhoek celebrates women and their accomplishments. This Wednesday, UNIC Windhoek celebrates Dr. Helena Ndume, a Namibian ophthalmologist who has performed over 30,000 free eye surgeries.

Before going into ophthalmology, which is the medical and surgical care of the eyes and visual system and in the prevention of eye disease, Dr. Ndume dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. However, after talking with a mentor and thinking about the needs of Namibia and its people, she decided to go into the field of medicine.

Upon returning from exile in 1989, she completed an internship and decided to specialize in ophthalmology. She says, “I could see that there were so many blind people here, blinded by preventable blindness just because we don’t have [enough] doctors in this country.”

The first place she went to was Rundu. Although her and her team examined 500 people and booked for 200 to come back, only 80 people came back for treatment because people were skeptical about eye surgery because it was something they never heard of.

Dr. Ndume describes the fear of the people who did not know about ophthalmology, “They were so scared. They said, ‘Have you ever heard of a person operating on people’s eyes? If you go there, your eyes will be damaged.'” Continue reading →

UNIC Windhoek celebrates intern Nicola for #WCW

Each Wednesday, the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Windhoek celebrates women and their accomplishments in order to inspire other women to be the best they can be and to fight against gender inequality.

This #WednesdayCelebrateWomen, UNIC Windhoek celebrates one of its interns, Nicola Gallagher. Read along as this motivated young American woman reflects on her positive experience with the agency and her path towards self-discovery.

Growing, learning and serving on my path to finding my true self

As a recent graduate from Boston College, a Jesuit Catholic University in the United States of America, I was worried about entering into the ‘real world.’ I was afraid of leaving the supportive University environment as I set on the path towards finding my true self. Luckily, this path has lead me across the Atlantic Ocean to UNIC Windhoek.

‘Setting the world aflame’ by being a ‘woman for others’

At University, the Jesuit priests urged me to be a ‘woman for others’ and ‘to set the world aflame’. Specifically as a communication major, I was interested in how communication could aid me in serving my fellow human beings and bringing about change.

I knew that I wanted to be part of a company or organization that worked towards serving other people and that challenged injustices in the world. From a small age, I dreamed about working for the United Nations.

Being part of the team that works to communicate the work of the United Nations with the Namibian public has given me the opportunity to utilize my academic background to create educational and informative messages that are shared with the Namibian public.

My positive experience at this internship has reminded me how important it is to do what I am passionate about and that no matter what path a person takes in life, it is important to stay true to oneself. I am passionate about questioning the world around me and promoting peace, equality and love, and I am blessed to be able to do that with UNIC Windhoek. Continue reading →

UNIC Windhoek celebrate women – Anthea Basson #WCW

Last week UNIC Windhoek launched its social media campaign, #Wednesday Celebrate Women, our weekly celebration of women in Namibia who make a valuable contribution in their local communities. The aim of the campaign is to feature hardworking Namibian woman from all walks of life.

This week, we’d like to give a very special shout-out to our very own, Anthea Basson of the United Nations Information Centre Windhoek.

Meet Anthea Basson, as she reflects on her journey…

My Dad raised his seven children with an iron fist, and I grew up knowing that women should work to get ahead in life. My parents brought me up to be dependent on myself,and of course facing many challenges in a predominantly male-dominated work environment, I instantly learned not to blame the workplace culture and bias for any of my misfortunes.

I always remind myself that I am and remain the tour guide of my own journey. I know who I am and what I’m passionate about. I refuse to let other people’s expectations rob the world of the special role that I am supposed to play in it. I’ve taken ownership of what I do and bring it to the table because I am in control of what is available in my hands. Needless to say “I am a woman weaved by life’s challenges, a woman of substance.” My life is not glorious and I don’t have medals or trophies to flaunt, but my biggest trophy is the fact that I pour my heart and soul into my work or what I can do to uplift others. Continue reading →