Born: 1958 (Old Location of Windhoek, Namibia)
Biography:
Rosa Namises, also known as Visolela Rosalinda Rosa Namises, was born in 1958 in the Old Location of Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. She hails from the Damara people, and her bravery and dedication to human rights and gender equality have earned her the nickname Rosa Luxemburg of Namibia.
Growing up in a diverse household, Namises was one of nine children born to an Angolan father and a Damara mother. She spent her early years with her father before attending the Augustineum Secondary School in Windhoek. After completing her education, she worked various jobs, starting as a cleaner and eventually becoming a nursing assistant.
Namises’ political activism began in the early 1980s when she joined the then-illegal SWAPO party. She organized meetings, recruited new members, and distributed promotional material. However, her activities landed her in jail, where she spent two months in solitary confinement. Undeterred, Namises returned to her activism upon her release.
In 1985, Namises faced further challenges when she lost her job at the hospital after being seen holding hands with a white doctor in violation of apartheid legislation. She was jailed for a second time, this time for 14 months. Despite the setbacks, Namises remained resilient and committed to her cause.
After her release, Namises found employment as a community development officer for the Catholic Church. It was during this time that she met Ben Ulenga, who had recently been released from Robben Island prison. The couple became a formidable force in their fight for justice and equality. When Namises became pregnant with their second child, they chose not to marry, leading to her dismissal from her job. This event also marked the end of Namises’ affiliation with the Catholic Church.
Namises then decided to go into exile and sought refuge in Europe and America. It wasn’t until Namibia gained independence in 1990 that she felt it was safe to return. However, upon her return, revelations of past human rights violations by SWAPO, the political party she had actively supported, shook her to her core. Disappointed by the party’s refusal to address these issues, Namises decided to play an instrumental role in seeking justice and reconciliation.
Throughout her career, Namises has been a fervent advocate for gender equality, human rights, and an end to violence against women and children in Namibia. She is the director of Woman Solidarity Namibia, an organization dedicated to empowering women and promoting gender equality. Namises also works at the Dolam Residential Child Care Centre, providing support and care to vulnerable children.
Namises’ impact on Namibian society cannot be overstated. Her unwavering dedication to social justice and gender equality has made her a prominent voice in the fight against the systemic injustices faced by marginalized communities. She has been instrumental in driving positive change and pushing for policies that promote inclusivity and respect for human rights.