Margaret Mensah-Williams
Quick Facts
Biography
Margaret Natalie Mensah-Williams (born 25 December 1961) is a Namibian politician and the Vice-Chairperson of the National Council of Namibia. She is a member of SWAPO and a SWAPO Regional Councillor in the Khomasdal North constituency of Windhoek.
Political career
Margaret worked as a teacher. She was the first woman to be elected in a decision-making position in the legislature (Parliament) as the Vice-Chairperson (Deputy Speaker) of the National Council (Upper House of Parliament). Mensah served for the second National Council in 1999 to 2004 and was re-elected in the same position to serve the third National Council in 2004 to 2009.
She also serves as member of the Central Committee of the SWAPO Party Women’s Council, as well as the ruling party SWAPO’s Central Committee. Margaret served for four years as member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Executive Committee and served the same body for two years as Vice President. She is currently the Vice President of the IPU’s Women’s Coordinating Committee. She serves on various boards of women’s organizations as well as serving as Patron of various women’s and educational institutions. She has presented at various international forums, including the UN as international expert.
Education
Margaret holds a master's degree in Business Administration, a Diploma in Management & Leadership, from East and Southern African Management Institute in (1993), a Diploma in Negotiation Skills, Institute of Management and Leadership Training, Windhoek in (1992). Diploma in Housing & Community Development, University of Cape Town (1985). Teaching Diploma, Dower College, South Africain (1983). School education at Keetmanshoop.