Meet Namibia’s 23 year old deputy minister: Emma Theofilus
Eish many events are occurring right round the world but
many are going unnoticed because this Covid-19 sensation. When will it go away
so that life returns to normalcy?
While an answer to that question isn’t available, 2020 has
been an amazing year for women as they continue claiming their throne in an
ever advancing society.
The latest being 23 year old Emma Theofilus, who was
appointed as Namibia’s deputy minister of Information and Technology. That feat
has made her Namibia’s youngest ever MP and Minister. What an achievement!
“I do not think I am special, but I do not think I am
inexperienced, and I do not think being young or female has anything to do with
my appointment. Anything I set myself to and any environment I want to work
into, I can do it; so the issue of inexperience does not hold any water,” she
stressed.
Academic
She was born and bred in Windhoek.
Theofilus has a Diploma in African feminism and gender
studies as well as a Diploma in Business Management from Unisa and Amity
University, respectively. She is a University of Namibia law graduate.
Leadership
She is a former junior mayor of Windhoek (2013-2014) and
during the same period started serving as a member of the Children’s
parliament. She is also a member of
AfriYan – a youth network comprised of young people from eastern and southern
Africa.
Prior to her appointment, Theofilus was employed as a legal
officer in the Namibian Ministry of Justice where she dealt with drafting human
rights reports as well as implementing the human rights strategy of the nation,
among others.
The world needs good news right now and Theofilus’
appointment provides that glimmer of hope for millions of young ladies.
“As a former debater and law graduate, you can expect robust
debates in parliament. As long as I have the support and guidance, I do not
think I would go wrong. I will bank on the experience I have, but I am also
willing to take advice and guidance from those that have been there before me,”
she said.