One of the most meaningful moments of the Namibia Economist Businesswoman networking breakfast on Friday 21 September 2025, was the address by our guest speaker, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, whose reflections on leadership resonated deeply with everyone in the room.
As the Chief Executive Officer of the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA), Martins-Hausiku spoke candidly about what it means to lead with authenticity, care, and intention. Rather than focusing on theory, she shared practical examples of how leadership can be human-centred, values-driven, and still highly effective.
At the heart of her message was a simple but powerful belief: strong leadership is inseparable from genuine care for people. At the MVA Fund, she has deliberately embedded policies and practices that prioritise mental health, employee wellbeing, and morale. These are not add-ons, but core to how the organisation functions and performs.
The impact of her approach was clear. Many women in attendance described feeling inspired, reflective, and challenged to think differently about how they lead and support others.
Martins-Hausiku shared that in 2016 she established a women’s network at the MVA — not a social club defined by titles or appearances, but a space for honest conversation and mutual growth.
“It is about women coming together to talk about our similarities, our differences, and the challenges we face as women — whether single, married, or divorced. We speak openly about what affects us, and through sharing, we grow,” she explained.
This spirit of shared growth extends beyond gender. The MVA also hosts a knowledge-sharing platform open to all staff, where employees share expertise across disciplines such as finance and investments. “You don’t have to go to university to learn something if someone is willing to share what they know,” she noted.
She also cautioned against the Queen Bee syndrome — a dynamic where women in leadership unintentionally replicate the very systems they once resisted. “When power is used to undermine or silence other women, we lose the opportunity to lift each other up,” she warned.
One of the most striking initiatives she introduced at the MVA is the role of Chief of People Happiness. For Martins-Hausiku, skills alone do not drive transformation — engagement does.
“Happiness is when employees feel seen, acknowledged, and supported. If we want resilient employees, we must create resilient work environments,” she said.
This philosophy translates into practical flexibility. She spoke openly about recognising the realities employees face, such as single parenthood, and how organisations can respond with empathy while still expecting excellence. “People should not have to choose between showing up for work and showing up for life,” she added.
Well ahead of national conversations, the MVA Fund also implemented a four-day work week more than a year ago. Through staggered shifts, customer service remained uninterrupted, while employees benefited from greater balance. Internal surveys confirmed what leadership already suspected — performance and productivity did not decline.
Martins-Hausiku also encouraged women to be intentional allies to one another, especially in meetings and leadership spaces. “Be conscious of tone, body language, and who is being heard. That woman who is quiet or constantly interrupted has a voice that matters. Empower her,” she urged.
On navigating male-dominated environments, she acknowledged the ongoing challenges, while also recognising men who actively create space for women. “We must appreciate those who welcome us into these spaces — progress happens when we work together.”
Her closing message was a powerful reminder of responsibility and legacy. “As women in leadership, we are holding space for the generations coming after us. What are we doing to make it easier for them?” she asked
She encouraged women to mentor, support, and uplift others at every stage of their journey. “Once you find your voice, help another woman find hers. Lead not only in strength, but also in vulnerability. Sometimes the most powerful leadership happens while you are still figuring things out.”
It was a conversation that stayed with us long after the breakfast ended — a reminder that authentic leadership is not about perfection, but about presence, courage, and care.
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