International Women's Day is a sharp reminder of the need to redouble efforts toward the goal of gender equality.

This sentiment formed part of President Hage Geingob's message to commemorate International Women's Day.

International Women's Day is observed on March 8 every year to honor and celebrate the achievements of women worldwide.

This year's theme is ''DigitAll: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality."

President Geingob says the theme is timely in advocating for an end to persisting discrimination against women and girls pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

These fields were once male-dominated.

President Geingob says women have demonstrated over the years that they are capable of many accomplishments in different fields of human endeavor and that no field should be off limits to women and girls.

In Namibia, consistent with the government's pursuit of the 4th Industrial Revolution, the science, technology, and innovation clusters are led by women.

President Geingob hails this as a significant step in national efforts to promote gender inclusion in STEM fields and the strides Namibia has made with women occupying important decision-making positions in the public and private sectors.

The Head of State further appealed for the deployment of technology and innovation as enablers of gender equality for an inclusive Namibian House.

Geingob also cautioned against harmful practices against women, such as gender-based violence.

He says GBV undermines the dignity of women and hampers their advancement in society.