Makaula urges employers to create breastfeeding-friendly workplaces

Lüderitz councillor Bessly Makaula has urged community leaders, faith-based organisations and civil society to help create environments where breastfeeding is celebrated rather than stigmatised.

Speaking during the World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) commemoration in the harbour town on Thursday, Makaula said employers should do more to support breastfeeding working mothers. "Employers must create workplaces that recognise the realities of motherhood by providing maternity protection, breastfeeding breaks, and safe and dignified spaces where mothers can breastfeed and store breast milk. Creating breastfeeding-friendly workplaces is not merely an employee benefit. It is an investment in healthier families, a more productive workforce and stronger communities," he said.

Makaula highlighted that many women work in sectors that require long hours, shift work and physically demanding labour. "Whether employed in the fishing industry, hospitality, retail, local government, healthcare, education or emerging energy projects, mothers should never be forced to choose between earning a livelihood and providing the best possible nutrition for their children," he said.

Referring to this year's Namibian WBW theme, Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems for the Future, Makaula said it was more than a call to action. "It is a reminder that the health of children, the well-being of mothers and the future prosperity of communities are deeply interconnected. It challenges us to recognise that breastfeeding is not solely the responsibility of mothers but a shared commitment requiring the unwavering support of families, employers, healthcare institutions, community leaders, policymakers and society as a whole," he said.

He called on fathers in particular to play an active role in supporting breastfeeding mothers. "Mothers cannot succeed if they are expected to shoulder this responsibility in isolation. Sustainable support systems require deliberate action from every sector of society. While the science supporting breastfeeding is compelling, knowledge alone is not enough," he said.

Makaula further said that breastfeeding was about more than nutrition. "It is one of the earliest foundations on which human capital is built. Every child who receives the healthiest possible start in life is better equipped to learn, contribute meaningfully to society and ultimately drive the economic and social development of our nation.

"Every mother who receives proper support contributes to stronger families, healthier communities and lower healthcare costs. Every healthy child represents hope. Every supported mother represents strength. Every thriving family contributes to a stronger municipality and, ultimately, a stronger Namibia," he said.