Official account of Mrs. Monica Geingos, Executive Chairperson of @One_Namibia and the 3rd First Lady of the Republic of Namibia.
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After three years in the making, today, @ONE_Namibia is extremely proud to be celebrating the official opening of the much-anticipated @BeFree Youth Campus in Katutura.
#NewSeason #BeFreeLaunch
A thread following today’s programme ⬇️
Creating meaningful opportunities for young people starts with creating spaces where they can access support.
Ms Monica Geingos hosted Mrs Baronice Hans, CEO, and Dr Marsha Koekemoer, Clinical Oversight Specialist at Lady Pohamba Private Hospital, at the @BeFreeYouth Campus for a courtesy visit.
The visit offered them an opportunity to explore the work of the One Economy Foundation and gain a closer look at its youth-centred approach to creating meaningful opportunities for young people.
During the visit, they toured the campus and learned more about the range of services and programmes available to young people, including sexual and reproductive health services, psychosocial support, digital skills development, entrepreneurship and mentorship.
The visit provided a glimpse into how the #BeFree Youth Campus brings these different areas together to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where young people can access non-judgemental services, develop their skills and connect with opportunities that can shape their future.
3rd First Lady, Namibia retweeted
Former First Lady Monica Geingos has paid tribute to the late Penehupifo Pohamba, describing her as a trusted adviser and mentor who guided her through the challenges of serving as First Lady.
Pohamba, Namibia’s second First Lady and wife of former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, died on Saturday, 17 October 2026.
In a statement, Geingos recalled how Pohamba welcomed her when she assumed the role in 2015, offering guidance and support as she navigated the responsibilities that came with the position.
“From our first conversations to our most recent, she opened her heart and offered wisdom without judgement and counsel without condition,” Geingos said.
She said Pohamba’s support extended beyond their professional connection, describing her as someone she could turn to for advice during difficult moments.
Geingos added that her late husband, former President Hage Geingob, also valued Pohamba’s counsel and would encourage her to seek the former First Lady’s advice whenever she encountered challenges.
According to Geingos, Pohamba understood the unique demands of the First Lady’s role, which carries no formal constitutional mandate but comes with public expectations to champion social causes and support communities.
Her experience in the position enabled her to offer practical guidance on navigating those expectations while making a meaningful contribution to society.
Pohamba served as First Lady from 2005 to 2015, championing maternal and child healthcare, women’s empowerment and HIV/AIDS awareness. A trained nurse and midwife, she also founded the Organisation for the Empowerment of Widows, Widowers and Orphans of HIV/AIDS (OEWONA).
Geingos’s tribute highlights the personal relationships and guidance that can shape the work of First Ladies, whose public roles often involve social advocacy and engagement with vulnerable communities
Report: Emil Xamro Seibeb
#NBCNews #nbcdigitalnews #nbcDSTV282 #nbcGOtv20 #nbcPlusApp
“Men go wrong when they think wrongly.”
This was one of the key remarks made by Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, First Gentleman of the Republic of Namibia, during the Engaging Men and Boys Symposium, held under the theme, “Coordinating Namibia’s Work with Men and Boys for Gender Equality and Wellbeing in Namibia.”
Ms Monica Geingos attended the engaging men and boys symposium, which brought together key stakeholders, including Hon. Dr Emma Kantema, Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare in Namibia, and H.E. Ana Beatriz Martins, European Union Ambassador to Namibia and Hon. Gerson Neumbo, Chairperson of the Education and ICT Committee: Children’s Parliament.
In his official statement, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Ndaitwah remarked that men go wrong when they think wrongly and advised that men need dignity.
He also remarked on the launch of the Den Impact Foundation, which he said is aimed at uplifting the plight of the boy child.
However, he emphasised that it is not about the boy or girl, but about society.
He encouraged boys to be the leaders and to own the agenda.
Ms Monica Geingos, Executive Chairperson of One Economy Foundation (ONE), reflected on ONE’s journey, the purpose that has guided its work over the past 11 years, and the importance of building a sustainable future for the work.
She described ONE’s role as “building a bridge” between communities with limited opportunities and those with greater access, while addressing structural inequality. She highlighted ONE’s partnerships with government, particularly the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, and described the public-private partnership as an important model for addressing complex social challenges.
Her address was followed by remarks from the evening’s Guest of Honour, H.E. Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia.
“The government cannot do it alone. Youth empowerment and development, are one of the key priorities of the Namibian government. Therefore, youth development is very close to my hands. Any initiative that focuses on building capacity and skill of the youth are very much welcomed and highly appreciated.”
11 years have brought ONE here. The work ahead calls for all of us to remain rooted in purpose.
Watch the livestream of the One Economy Foundation’s 11th Fundraising Soirée on OneUpTwo; oneuptwo.com//show?o6zycsc1b…
Ms Geingos was delighted to reconnect with her longstanding friend and sister, @MamaRachelRuto . A warm reunion and meaningful exchange, united by a shared commitment to women and children.
3rd First Lady, Namibia retweeted
🎙️ #OAFLADatUNGA81: “A Conversation on the Impact of High-Level Advocacy in Africa.”
Featuring H.E. Monica Geingos @FirstLadyNam3 , 3rd First Lady of Namibia & ONE Foundation Chair; H.E. Amb. Liberata Mulamula, AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace & Security @_AfricanUnion ; H.E. Winnie Byanyima @Winnie_Byanyima , UNAIDS Executive Director; and Ms. Sonia Ndimbira, former OAFLAD Executive Secretary & Lead, Africa Reach @AfricaREACH1 .
▶️ Follow the conversation here:
youtube.com/live/MdTmE-lbbOw…
3rd First Lady, Namibia retweeted
Watch how H.E. Monica Geingos @FirstLadyNam3 , Former President of OAFLAD and Former First Lady of Namibia defines soft power with this simple example of a gift she received during her mandate.
The whole conversation is here: youtube.com/live/MdTmE-lbbOw…
#OAFLADatUNGA81
🎙️ #OAFLADatUNGA81: “A Conversation on the Impact of High-Level Advocacy in Africa.”
Featuring H.E. Monica Geingos @FirstLadyNam3 , 3rd First Lady of Namibia & ONE Foundation Chair; H.E. Amb. Liberata Mulamula, AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace & Security @_AfricanUnion ; H.E. Winnie Byanyima @Winnie_Byanyima , UNAIDS Executive Director; and Ms. Sonia Ndimbira, former OAFLAD Executive Secretary & Lead, Africa Reach @AfricaREACH1 .
▶️ Follow the conversation here:
youtube.com/live/MdTmE-lbbOw…
3rd First Lady, Namibia retweeted
“ People tend to underestimate First Ladies and that’s a mistake “ @FirstLadyNam3
Watch the full conversation here : youtube.com/watch?v=MdTmE-lb…
#OAFLADatUNGA81
🎙️ #OAFLADatUNGA81: “A Conversation on the Impact of High-Level Advocacy in Africa.”
Featuring H.E. Monica Geingos @FirstLadyNam3 , 3rd First Lady of Namibia & ONE Foundation Chair; H.E. Amb. Liberata Mulamula, AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace & Security @_AfricanUnion ; H.E. Winnie Byanyima @Winnie_Byanyima , UNAIDS Executive Director; and Ms. Sonia Ndimbira, former OAFLAD Executive Secretary & Lead, Africa Reach @AfricaREACH1 .
▶️ Follow the conversation here:
youtube.com/live/MdTmE-lbbOw…
When women lead, they create pathways for change.
Ms. Monica Geingos was honoured to join inspiring women leaders and changemakers from around the world at the Women Rise for All lunch, hosted by UN Deputy Secretary-General @AminaJMohammed.
The gathering was made even more special by the presence of H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, and H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of the Republic of Liberia, two remarkable women whose leadership continues to inspire generations and advance the cause of women’s leadership.
It was a powerful space for connection, reflection and collective action, united by a shared vision of a more inclusive and sustainable future.
#WomenRiseForAll #WomenLeadership
Photo credit @UN_Partnerships @kiaraworth
3rd First Lady, Namibia retweeted
“Having influence isn’t enough — it’s about the outcomes.”
— H.E. Monica Geingos @FirstLadyNam3, Former President of OAFLAD and Former First Lady of Namibia
Watch her inspiring response to a question during our panel discussion at #OAFLADatUNGA81, as she reflects on the power of OAFLAD’s influence to drive meaningful impact.
⬇️
🎙️ #OAFLADatUNGA81: “A Conversation on the Impact of High-Level Advocacy in Africa.”
Featuring H.E. Monica Geingos @FirstLadyNam3 , 3rd First Lady of Namibia & ONE Foundation Chair; H.E. Amb. Liberata Mulamula, AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace & Security @_AfricanUnion ; H.E. Winnie Byanyima @Winnie_Byanyima , UNAIDS Executive Director; and Ms. Sonia Ndimbira, former OAFLAD Executive Secretary & Lead, Africa Reach @AfricaREACH1 .
▶️ Follow the conversation here:
youtube.com/live/MdTmE-lbbOw…
What can advocacy achieve when leadership, partnerships and action come together?
Ms Monica Geingos joined H.E. Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, Mrs Winnie Byanyima and Ms. Sonia Ndimbira for a conversation on the impact of high-level advocacy across Africa at the OAFLAD High-Level Side Event of #UNGA81, held under the theme “OAFLAD: A Legacy of Leadership — Delivering for Women and Girls.”
The event was opened by H.E. Dr Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of OAFLAD, setting the tone for a reflection on the organisation’s journey, its legacy of leadership and the work that still lies ahead for women and girls across Africa.
Drawing from her experience, Ms Geingos spoke to what it takes to turn advocacy into meaningful outcomes, highlighting the importance of partnerships, resources and consensus, while emphasising the need to respect the different contexts across Africa.
“We can’t impose any belief system. You must enable African First Ladies within the movement to decide what is it that they’re going to focus on.”
She also reflected on the “We Are Equal” campaign, which had 17 launches and reached an estimated 650 million people, highlighting the scale collective advocacy can achieve.
As OAFLAD looks towards its 25th anniversary in 2027, the conversation reflected a continued focus on turning advocacy into action, partnerships, policy and meaningful change for women and girls across Africa.
#OAFLAD #UNGA81 #AfricanLeadership #WomenAndGirls #Advocacy
On the margins of #UNGA81, Ms. Monica Geingos joined a roundtable on “Built to Last: Locally Led Health Ecosystems for Mothers, Newborns and Children in a New Funding Era,” hosted by the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) and the GE HealthCare Foundation.
The conversation explored how we can sustain essential maternal, newborn and child health services in an increasingly uncertain funding environment.
The focus was on strengthening health systems, supporting health workers, improving continuity of care, and building partnerships that translate investment into lasting, measurable impact.
Reflecting on the importance of strong, locally led systems, Ms. Geingos noted, “You have to build strong systems that can survive within the change of leadership and changing conditions that happen.”
She also emphasised the importance of developing leadership at local levels and across ministries, with a focus on systems that can sustain progress and continue delivering outcomes despite changing priorities and conditions.
For mothers and children, resilience is not simply about responding to today’s challenges, it is about building systems capable of delivering quality care consistently, protecting progress and improving outcomes for generations to come.
The challenge is no longer knowing what needs to be done, it is ensuring that commitments translate into financing, action and results.
Ms Monica Geingos, Incoming Board Chair of Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH) joined global leaders at the PMNCH Accountability Breakfast on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) week to examine what meaningful accountability for women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health must look like in today’s challenging financing environment.
Her message was clear: financing is a political choice, communities and young people must have a seat at the table, and accountability must turn commitments into measurable outcomes.
Ms Geingos noted:
“The voices and experiences of communities, young people, and civil society must be central to financing decisions.”
Drawing on her experience of co-creating the @BeFreeYouth Campus in Namibia , she noted that progress comes when young people and communities are placed at the centre of decision-making, rather than merely consulted.
She also called for stronger accountability and action:
“We must move past the comfort of shared diagnosis and into the discomfort of immediate execution.”
As incoming Chair, Ms Geingos looks forward to working with the @PMNCH to turn momentum into action, strengthen accountability, and ensure investments reach those who need them most.
