Veronika Haimbili

My work and advocacy efforts are guided by a profound commitment to fostering positive change and advancing social justice. I believe that effective advocacy requires a deep understanding of the issues at hand and a dedication to amplifying the voices of those who are often unheard. My approach is rooted in collaboration, empathy, and evidence-based strategies. I strive to create impactful solutions that address the root causes of problems and empower individuals and communities to drive their own progress. 

In my advocacy, I focus on creating sustainable and meaningful change by addressing systemic barriers and promoting inclusive policies. I am driven by the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to thrive and that collective efforts can lead to transformative outcomes. By engaging with diverse stakeholders and leveraging my expertise in communication and advocacy, I aim to contribute to a more equitable and just society where everyone has the chance to achieve their full potential. 

Background:
Dedicated Health Advocate and Communications Specialist with over 6 years of experience in advocacy, policy influence, and strategic communications. Currently serving at the Ministry of Health and Social Services as a consultant , Namibia, spearheading collective health programs and disease prevention awareness through multi-media platforms. Focal person for the SADC GENDER PROTOCOL ALLIANCE, specializing in sexual and reproductive health advocacy. 
Key strengths include developing and executing effective communication strategies, social media management, graphic design, and video editing. Proven track record in networking and building partnerships across diverse stakeholders, from grassroots to high-level officials and international organizations. 
Educational background includes Honours and Bachelor’s Degrees in Journalism and Media Studies from NUST, complemented by specialized training in Media Production and international programs in communication, advocacy, photography, and videography. 
Notable achievements encompass successful advocacy for gender equality in political structures, influencing SRHR policies at regional levels, enhancing COVID-19 vaccine uptake through strategic communications, and collaborating with WHO on significant health initiatives. 
Expertise spans health, gender, climate, and education sectors, with a demonstrated ability to drive impactful change and foster meaningful connections across various levels of society. 

Areas of expertise:
Communication Strategies: Proficient in developing and executing strategies to drive public awareness and policy change. 
Social Media Management: Skilled in managing platforms, analysing data, and increasing followership. 
Graphic Design and Video Editing: Experienced in creating engaging content for communication platforms. 
Networking and Partnerships: Extensive experience in building strategic partnerships with various stakeholders. 
Gender Equality and SRHR Advocacy: Specialized in promoting gender equality and sexual and reproductive health rights. 
Health Communication: Expertise in advocating for health programs and raising awareness about disease prevention. 
Project Management: Successfully managed high-impact projects and campaigns. 
Media Production: Trained in photography and videography to create impactful materials. 
Public Health: Focused on improving public health outcomes through advocacy and communication initiatives. 

Current Projects:
I am currently involved in a project aimed at empowering young people aged 15 to 30 to drive positive change within their communities. This initiative focuses on addressing critical issues such as sexual and reproductive health (SRH), climate change, and gender-based violence (GBV) that disproportionately affect youth in Namibia and across Africa. The project seeks to overcome challenges such as insufficient healthcare services, poor access to education, and cultural stigmas that hinder young people’s ability to seek help and access necessary resources. By investing in youth, we are not only shaping the future leaders, innovators, and decision-makers of tomorrow but also addressing systemic issues that impede societal progress. Empowering these young individuals is crucial for breaking nonfunctional cycles and fostering meaningful contributions to societal advancement. 

Affiliations:
 WHO
UNFPA
UNICEF
ALAN
NANGOF