Namibia's first female president sworn in Namibia's new president. Image source: AFP Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been sworn in as pre...

Namibia's first female president sworn in

Namibia's new president. Image source: AFP

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been sworn in as president of Namibia, making history by becoming the country's first woman leader.

The country's former foreign minister was a pillar of the SWAPO party that has ruled Namibia since its independence from South Africa in 1990.

Speaking to the BBC, Nandi-Ndaitwah admitted that some might criticize her because of her gender rather than what she does – but said she would continue to fight against gender-based violence.

Netumbo is one of the few African women to have led their country since Liberia elected its first female president 20 years ago.