On 8 March 2025, we join the world in celebrating International Women's Day (IWD), a day that honours the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women everywhere. More than just a celebration, IWD is a call to action to accelerate gender equality and create opportunities for women to thrive. At Namibia Dairies, we recognise the immense contribution of the women in our workforce—across all departments, in leadership roles, in production, in quality control, in sales and beyond. Their dedication, resilience and strength are integral to our success as a business and to Namibia’s growing economy.
From the production floor to the boardroom, women play an essential role in ensuring that high-quality dairy products reach families across Namibia and beyond. They lead with passion, care deeply about their work and embody the values that drive Namibia Dairies forward. Their stories are a testament to hard work, perseverance and the power of lifting others as they rise.
One such story is that of Cheslyn Fortuin, who has been with Namibia Dairies for 10 years. Says Cheslyn:” I am deeply passionate about what I do, finding fulfilment in building brands, driving impact and continuously learning. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors and leaders who not only shared their knowledge but also recognized my potential, empowering me to grow both professionally and personally.
In the workplace, it can be easy to shy away from challenges or growth opportunities, but I’ve learned that it is in these moments that resilience truly shines. Every challenge presents a chance to learn, adapt, and push boundaries—reinforcing the strength and capability of women in the professional world.”
Agriculture and food production remain vital sectors in Namibia, and the role of women in these industries continues to grow. Historically, women have played a crucial role in ensuring food security, and today, they are leading progress in dairy production, sustainability and business development. Namibia Dairies is proud to support the empowerment of women within the sector, providing training, leadership opportunities and a culture of inclusivity that allows everyone to reach their full potential.
Despite progress, women across industries still face challenges such as unequal representation in leadership, limited access to resources and societal barriers. Aligned with this year's IWD theme, #AccelerateAction, at Namibia Dairies, we are committed to creating an environment where women are equally valued, supported and given the tools to succeed. We believe that gender equality is not just a goal—it is essential for economic growth, social progress and a stronger Namibia.
At Namibia Dairies, we take pride in being part of the O&L (Ohlthaver & List) family, where our core characteristics of authenticity, care, and passion shape everything we do. These characteristics are deeply reflected in the lives and contributions of Namibian women, both within our organisation and across the country.
International Women’s Day belongs to everyone, and advancing women’s equality requires collective effort. We encourage all our colleagues to celebrate the achievements of the women around them, to advocate for inclusivity and to champion diversity in every aspect of life. Whether through mentorship, policy changes or simply recognising the contributions of female colleagues, we all have a role to play in shaping a more equitable future.
This IWD, we proudly highlight the incredible women of Namibia Dairies—those who keep our business moving, inspire positive change and contribute to our shared success.
To all the women of Namibia Dairies and beyond, we honour you today and every day. Your hard work, resilience and leadership shape our company, our communities, and our nation. Happy International Women's Day!
