Helvi Shindume, a name synonymous with youth, agriculture, and shattering stereotypes, has been blossoming in more ways than one. The 25-year-old was recently appointed to the Ohangwena Communal Land Board by Calle Schlettwein, the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform. This move signals a refreshing focus on youthful leadership within the agricultural sector.
Shindume’s journey with agriculture began in the fertile grounds of her passion, not just as a subject in primary school where it flourished as her highest-scoring one, but also in the high school gardens where she nurtured crops and thrived on agricultural assignments. This early love for the land blossomed further into a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science and an Honours degree in Agribusiness, both from the Namibia University of Science and Technology.
“Helvi is a professional, hardworking individual,” says Amelia Immanuel, one of Shindume’s colleagues. “She’s driven and passionate about what she does. Dedication to her work and a willingness to go the extra mile are just some of the qualities that make her such a valuable asset to any team.”
Shindume’s path, however, wasn’t entirely weed-free. As a young woman in agriculture, she frequently encountered the thorns of stereotypes. “Why agriculture?” was a question she had to parry all too often. But Shindume, with the resilience of a desert flower, refused to wilt. Instead, she chose to bloom even brighter.
This determination led to the birth of Women in Agriculture Namibia (Wian) in October 2019. “Wian was established to strengthen the recognition of women’s contributions to the agricultural sector,” says Shindume. The organization empowers women to be key players in agriculture, providing them with resources, support, networking opportunities, and capacity development. Notably, Wian extends its reach beyond gender, embracing both women and men in agriculture, and has even inspired sister organizations in Botswana, South Africa, Gambia, and Angola.
Schlettwein’s decision to appoint Shindume to the Ohangwena Communal Land Board is a testament to her remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication. Her youthful energy, coupled with her expertise and experience as an agri-influencer, promises to be a potent fertilizer for positive change within the Ohangwena communal lands. With Shindume firmly rooted in her new role, the future of agriculture in Namibia appears to be blossoming with exciting possibilities.
