Afrospection with Linda Magano Baumann
Namibian Paralegal and Communications Activist, Linda Magano Baumann, awarded for the work she does as a LGBTI activist in Namibia shares here her learnings and lessons from the past year, her self examination from Africa… her Afrospection.
Linda’s favourite quite right now:
“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible”- Maya Angelo
If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?
LMB: I would want to be able to speak and read sign language
What challenged you in 2018 and how did you overcome this challenge?
LMB: The challenge was setting up a feminist organisation and rebranding myself. I overcame this by personalising every engagement and through that I ensured my participation and representation advanced a collective agenda that mainstreams and integrates the intersectionalities within the civil, political and economic developmental agenda of our communities.
What’s the one thing that bothers you most about the world today?
LMB: The fact that the touch of humanity, sense of community and collective ownership of processes is lost as our culture and traditional values have taught us to care for one another however in today’s life, things have changed so much that every household fends for themselves and the essence of community development is redirected to the state.
The social developmental projects out there have become a public relations marketing strategy as technology has advanced that far into profiling the items shared and the greatness of these entities/individuals.
What was your biggest personal development learning of 2018?
LMB: I have done intensive skills and knowledge development on International Human Rights Law, Understanding the systems/instruments of the United Nations, Advancing Access to Information and the engaging Sustainable Development Goals. These personal developmental experience has strengthened my level of experience, and dialogue by ensuring I contribute substantive to national, regional and international human right and developmental advocacy.
What is your wish for Namibia for 2019?
LMB: I wish Namibian leadership will be bold enough to hold state looters accountable and ensure the resources reaches the key communities who are in need.
Where do you find your inspiration?
LMB: I have a number of people in my life who have unique roles of inspiration however the key person in my life is my mother. She is in her 70s and she is still hardworking and re-instills the consciousness of life and the importance to support others at all time.
What’s on your bucket list for 2019?
LMB: Go back to school
Establish a forum for young people in leadership and development
Meet my President
Do you believe in second chances?
LMB: Indeed, I do, every person deserves to be given a second chance as we all make mistakes however what is key in that second chance is that the individual understands what they have done and attains the keep support and motivation to better the error made.
What skill do you wish you had?
LMB: Graphic designing