Twenty-four-year-old Namibian Information, Communication and Technology Deputy Minister Emma Theofelus, is a major highlight on Avance Media’s second publication of Africa’s 100 Most Prominent Women.
Dubbed the 2020 100 Most Influential African Women, the list features a representation of the most powerful African women from 34 countries picked from various career paths (politics, entrepreneurship, business and entertainment).
Emma, who is the youngest woman on the list, also made history by becoming the youngest member of parliament and deputy minister at the age of 23 earlier this year.
Though she received a lot of criticism and many questioned her level of experience, she made it a point to show that being a young woman was not a hindrance to her performance. She went on to talk about the importance of the role of deputy minister, which is always undermined.
“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 said to The Namibian, adding,
“So of course the minister, being the head and political appointee, and the deputy minister allow the whole ministerial position to function. It is a supporting role, just like any law has supporting regulations to allow it to function. I do not think being a deputy minister is a role that cannot be brought to life, the person should know what they have planned for that position and anybody can do it. It is not an insignificant role.”
Emma, who is a law graduate from the University of Namibia, has a strong background in public speaking and debate, which, according to her, will be an essential tool in cabinet.
“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 explained to The Namibian.
In a separate interview, Emma said that she was excited about her appointment and that she would take it on like she has taken other leadership roles in the past such as deputy mayor and deputy speaker of the children’s parliament of Namibia.
She also worked with Global Shapers Windhoek, a youth group in Namibia.
Part of Emmas’ role upon appointment was to help with strategies of communication to the public on preventative steps against the COVID-19 pandemic, which had just hit Namibia at that time.
“So far,” the Guardian noted, “Namibia has seen tremendous results in giving real-time information about coronavirus to the media and the public while thwarting fakes news” since she came into office, which is a clear reflection of the good job she is doing.
Speaking about this year’s list on their website, Avance Media Managing Director Prince Akpah said the list seeks to present as role models for the younger generation women on the continent who are leading initiatives. He indicated that the selection considered their incredible achievement that made them deserve recognition among other trailblazers in Africa.
Criteria for the 2020 selection included Leadership and Performance excellence, personal accomplishments, commitment to sharing knowledge, breaking the status quo and being an accomplished African woman.
Also topping the list is Angolan Finance Minister Vera De Sousa, musicians like Sinach and Angélique Kidjo, and others. The list is accessible on the 100women.avancemedia.org website.
Phoebie Shamiso Chigonde is a journalist passionate about gender equality, social development programmes and grassroots-based solution seeking initiatives. She has a passion for women and community development. Phoebie is also a radio personality at a regional commercial radio station, a platform that enables her to network with like-minded women, journalists and activists as she continues to document and tell the story of the ordinary woman from the lens of that very ordinary woman.