Popya with Iipinge Shaanika Nashilongo – Let’s fight GBV together 

Home Youth Corner Popya with Iipinge Shaanika Nashilongo – Let’s fight GBV together 
Popya with Iipinge Shaanika Nashilongo  – Let’s fight GBV together 

Out of the sheer desire to see the end of gender-based violence (GBV), Iipinge Shaanika Nashilongo founded an organisation in 2015 that fights for gender equality, human rights and social justice 24/7.

It is called Monica Gender Equality, Human Rights and Social Justice.

“I decided to come up with this organisation, campaigning and fighting against GBV in society, and also to inspire my fellow youth to start doing positive things,” he told Youth Corner.

Then 23 years old and inspired by First Lady Monica Geingos, Nashilongo started the grassroots organisation, which he named after her, with minimal resources to help those affected by sexual and GBV.

The organisation provides 24-hour counselling and assistance to the victims of gender-based violence and human rights violation. They also host workshops and seminars for men and women to find solutions to GBV and help resolve conflicts within communities.

Asked why he started the organisation, Nashilongo said he was inspired by the streets. 

“Being in the streets as a youth, where I had been sleeping rough for almost a year, I learned about people’s suffering and seeing people being abused and their rights violated,” he told Youth Corner.

“I have also learned a lot when I was in jail. Being in jail as a youth was among the inspirations to do this. I also lost my mother as a result of GBV.”

The organisation has offices in Windhoek and Outapi, and assists anyone without discrimination.

Nashilongo feels excited when walking in the streets and people tell him they feel safe with him and the organisation being around. 

“We have been doing night patrols in the streets to make sure people are safe from harm, and also to reduce criminal activities. We are trying to protect people from cyber-crime countrywide, and providing counselling to people who have been abused in their marriages, and so on.”

He added that the organisation has been making positive contributions toward people’s lives, “people who have been going through various challenges like those who are in debt and relationship abuse”.

The human rights activist thus called on anyone suffering from GBV, unfairness due to their gender or anyone who feels their human rights are violated, to contact their offices.

“They must reach out for assistance because being abused is a disease, just like when one has a headache and go to the hospital for Panado.”

“Feel free to contact me any time for assistance at 0812222077.”

From being unable to go past grade 10 due to personal reasons, Nashilongo has since completed studies in PC engineering and is now a computer engineer. He also now has a degree in law.

The young man will soon be interviewed by BBC’s ‘She Word’ programme on revenge porn in Africa.

He called on his peers to work hard while they have time to do so. 

“The youth should distance themselves from doing criminal activities, and they must stop insulting their leaders. Let’s work together and build one another in our society.”

Asked about the organisation’s future plans, he said they have many initiatives coming up, including partnerships with educational institutions in Europe to provide the best education to the youth.

Follow Monica Gender Equality Human Rights and Social Justice on Facebook.

– fhamalwa@nepc.com.na