'Never forget where you come from’

"Just be yourself, be true to who you are and your roots."

These are the words of Tuarirovangu Kasirua, who got her LLB degree from the University of Namibia (Unam) last week.

Kasirua, who is originally from Opuwo in the Kunene Region, attended her graduation in traditional Ovahimba dress. She attracted widespread interest after her photos went viral on social media.

She said she didn't think the photo taken at her graduation ceremony would attract so much attention.

“My social media really caught fire; I didn't expect that at all. I didn't do it for that. I did it because it's important for me to remember who I am and where I come from," Kasirua said.

During her studies, she was elected as a member of the student representative council (SRC) and was given the task of representing minority groups - whether cultural or other groups, such as disabled students.

According to her, the way most people think of her traditional attire, especially in Windhoek where she studied, does not bother her.

"In the north, like in Opuwo, nobody would think anything of it if they saw a group of Ovahimba women in their traditional dress. But here in Windhoek, it's like people think you're naked. It didn't bother me much.”

She is currently doing her attachment at Thomas Andima & Co Inc. law firm, and encourages others to reach for the stars.

“If I can do it, anyone can. Keep working hard and don't give up. Don't let them change you, just be yourself," she said.

Kasirua is already dreaming of graduating with an LLM degree, and then pursuing a doctorate in law.

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