Miss Namibia Charene Labuschagne champions women's economic empowerment and entrepreneurship
Newly crowned Miss Namibia 2026 Charene Labuschagne has announced that women's economic empowerment and entrepreneurship will be central to her reign. Labuschagne stated that growing up in an entrepreneurial family, watching her parents build businesses, shaped her passion for the subject. She aims to connect women with entrepreneurial knowledge within Namibia, believing there is no reason for women to feel they lack skills or resources. Labuschagne, who identifies as a feminist, seeks to help Namibian women achieve financial independence. While entrepreneurship and skills development are her immediate focus, she also plans to highlight Namibia's conservation industry. Labuschagne shared that she overcame self-doubt and imposter syndrome during the competition with the support of her family. Her immediate priority is preparing to represent Namibia internationally, after which she intends to foster collaborations among businesses, organizations, creatives, and artisans. She encourages young women to pursue their ambitions and hopes to be remembered as a woman who asked questions about what could be built together, aiming to connect Namibians, especially women, with skills, resources, and networks for sustainable livelihoods over the next 12 months.
