NOTE FROM TED: This talk represents the speaker’s personal political views. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/t...

Join Emma Theofelus, a young and pioneering leader, on a journey to discover the transformative power of giving young women leadership opportunities. Drawing from her experience as a Deputy Minister of ICT and Member of Parliament in Namibia, Emma shares the challenges and triumphs of being a young female leader in a world that often associates leadership with age and masculinity. She recounts her inspiring path from grassroots activism to national policy-making, highlighting the crucial role of political will and personal determination in changing the face of leadership. Emma's story is a testament to the remarkable ability of young women to break stereotypes, lead effectively, and pave the way for a more inclusive future. Don't miss this thought-provoking TEDx Talk as Emma discusses the impact of young female leaders in Africa and beyond, and the significance of empowering the next generation with courage and resilience. Theofelus is a former youth activist, having served as deputy speaker of the Children's Parliament from 2013 to 2018. She started her career after she completed a law degree at the University of Namibia, as legal officer in the Ministry of Justice.

Theofelus was appointed Namibia's deputy minister of Information, Communication and Technology in March 2020, as part of Hage Geingob's second term cabinet. At the time of cabinet appointment, Theofelus was 23 and one of Africa's youngest cabinet ministers. She is also a board member of the National Council of Higher Education.

In 2020 she was judged to be one of 100 most influential African women, the youngest person on this list. Ms. Theofelus received the 2022 United Nations Population Award individual laureate award for her work advocating for women’s empowerment and adolescent sexual and reproductive health in Namibia This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx