IWIB: Please introduce yourself. What is your name and occupation?
I am Eveline Stephanus, the Marketing and Communications Manager at the Namibia Fish Consumption Promotion Trust (NFCPT). I was born in the heart of Katutura and grew up in Soweto. Raised by a single mother who worked as a domestic worker, I am the only girl among four brothers.

IWIB: I want to start by asking some questions about your career and current role before discussing the wider industry itself. So, when did your interest in this trade begin?
ES: There was no specific interest that initially drew me to the fishing industry. However, when I came across the job vacancy, I saw that it aligned with my field of study, which piqued my interest. I applied for the role and was subsequently appointed.

IWIB: What are your main responsibilities in your current role?
ES: My primary responsibility is to ensure that the Trust’s mandate of promoting fish consumption across all 14 regions is fulfilled through strategic marketing and promotion initiatives. To enhance accessibility, the Trust extends its reach by conducting monthly regional educational sales promotions in towns, settlements, and villages where it does not yet have a footprint. This ensures that every Namibian can benefit from the country’s fisheries sector by bringing services closer to the people.

IWIB: How are you finding your role?
ES: Seeing the Trust grow and contribute to the national fish consumption rate has been incredibly fulfilling. According to a 2023 survey conducted by the University of Namibia, national per capita fish consumption increased from a mere 4kg per person per year in 1990 to 18.07kg per person per year. This brings Namibia closer to the global average of 20kg per person, reflecting a positive shift in dietary patterns.

I also believe that the Trust’s initiatives, particularly through our Corporate Social Investment (CSI) efforts, play a significant role in improving food security. Furthermore, witnessing the direct impact of our outreach programmes where we provide fish to communities makes me proud. I firmly believe in the saying, “One fish can feed a nation.”

IWIB: What challenges do professional women in Namibia’s fishing sector face?
ES: The fishing sector remains male-dominated. However, as women, we must continue pushing for greater gender diversity and encouraging more women to pursue careers in this industry. Despite legal frameworks promoting gender equality, women in the fishing sector still face discrimination, particularly in terms of access to leadership roles and decision-making positions.

IWIB: What is the best way for companies to attract more women to careers in the fishing industry?
ES: Attracting more women to the fishing industry requires addressing both cultural and structural barriers that have historically made the sector less accessible to them. Companies can adopt the following strategies:
Promote inclusivity and diversity: Foster a culture that values gender diversity and actively supports women’s participation in the sector.
Highlight female role models: Establish mentorship programmes and create platforms such as panel discussions and industry events where women in the industry can share their experiences and inspire others.
Partner with educational institutions: Engage with universities and technical colleges to promote career opportunities in the fishing industry, participate in career exhibitions, and offer scholarships or internships to young women.

IWIB: How do you balance your personal and professional life, and what strategies do you use to manage that balance?
ES: Balancing work and personal life can be challenging, but it is all about setting clear boundaries, prioritising tasks, and staying flexible. Most importantly, I make self-care a priority. Taking time for myself allows me to maintain my well-being and perform at my best in both my professional and personal life.

IWIB: How do you unwind after an intense day at work?
ES: I find relaxation through exercise, reading a book, or spending quality time watching movies and playing word game scrabble with my daughters.

IWIB: Is there anything we did not ask that you would like to add?
ES: I would like to emphasise the importance of the work we do at the NFCPT. Our efforts are not only about promoting fish consumption but also about ensuring that all Namibians have access to affordable and nutritious seafood. We are committed to making a meaningful impact on people’s lives, and I am proud to be part of this journey.