Staff Reporter
THE Third First Lady of Namibia, Monica Geingos, recently received an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy (Honoris Causa) from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in recognition of her work in driving social development, championing youth and gender equity across Africa, and using economics and governance to deliver real, evidence-based change.
“This honorary doctorate means more to me than I can express. It feels like confirmation that he (Hage Geingob) was right when he told me to focus on what matters, and it feels like a nudge from my husband to fulfil my promise to him that I will work towards my PhD,” Geingos said.
She added that the honorary doctorate was both a call to continue her purpose and a challenge to remain worthy of the confidence the University had placed in her.
Photo: The University of Johannesburg.
“H.E. Geingos has spent over two decades working in Namibia’s financial and investment sectors. She served as Namibia’s First Lady from 2015 until her husband, the late President Hage Geingob’s passing in 2024. She is the founder of the One Economy Foundation and the #BeFree Movement Project, which focuses on youth sexual health and HIV/AIDS awareness. Her emphasis on youth is deliberate: over the next 20 years, one in four of the global population will be African,” UJ stated.
According to the University, during her tenure as First Lady, Geingos redefined the role by integrating her expertise in economics and governance into a comprehensive advocacy programme focused on social development. Through this, UJ added, she has tackled youth vulnerability, HIV stigma, and structural inequality with bold, evidence-driven interventions.
“As a lawyer, entrepreneur, and advocate, she has worked across multiple sectors throughout her career. These experiences have shaped her approach to leadership and social change,” the University noted.
UJ highlighted that Geingos has inspired young women, particularly Black African women, to learn to take the punches and to know when to strike back.
“Her work has earned her international recognition and influence within the global health space. In 2016, she was appointed UNAIDS Special Advocate for Young Women and Adolescent Girls. From June 2022 to February 2024, she served as President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), where she played a pivotal role in advancing health and gender equity across the continent,” UJ emphasised.
UJ Chancellor Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka expressed gratitude to the former First Lady for the work she continues to do not only in Namibia but across Africa.
“Even before you became First Lady, you were attentive to the needs of the people of Namibia and the continent. We are thrilled that you are continuing in that service, particularly with a focus on young people. We congratulate and celebrate you,” Mlambo-Ngcuka added.
