Women were never just on the sidelines: The nurses, soldiers and unsung heroines of Namibia’s liberation struggle

NAMPA

2026-08-23

OKONGO, 23 August 2026- Retired nurse Maria Hedimbi-Kamati and her husband former PLAN combatant Erastus Kamati at their homestead in Okongo. (Photo by Eba Kandovazu). NAMPA

By Eba Kandovazu
OKONGO, 23 AUG (NAMPA) - For former Deputy Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hilma Nicanor (70), Namibia’s liberation struggle cannot be told as a story of men only.
Women were there too; in the trenches on the frontlines, in military camps and classrooms, in hospitals and homes. Some carried weapons and served in military structures. Others treated wounded soldiers, educated fellow freedom fighters or provided food, shel...

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Windhoek, 23 August 2026- Hilma Nicanor, a war veteran and special advisor to the minister of defence and veterans affairs. (Photo contributed). NAMPA

Windhoek, 23 August 2026- A young Hilma Nicanor in exile during the liberation struggle. (Photo contributed). NAMPA

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HELAO NAFIDI, 22 August 2026 - The sports field of the new Helao Nafidi Sports Centre. (Photo: Ali Negumbo) NAMPA

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HELAO NAFIDI, 22 August 2026 - The sports field of the new Helao Nafidi Sports Centre. (Photo: Ali Negumbo) NAMPA

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HELAO NAFIDI, 22 August 2026 - The pavilion at the sports field of the new Helao Nafidi Sports Centre. (Photo: Ali Negumbo) NAMPA

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