Musician with a purpose
From most responsible artist of the year to GBV ambassador
In your own words, how would you describe gender-based violence?
Gender-based violence (GBV) includes battering, intimate partner violence including marital rape, sexual violence, bride price-related violence, sexual abuse of female children in the household, early marriage, forced marriage, and intimidation at work, in school and elsewhere, commercial sexual exploitation, and trafficking of girls and women. The violence is directed specifically against a woman. GBV is caused by a myriad of things as described above, pinpointing a particular one would not be correct. It is up to us to ensure that we support the cause against GBV in all its forms.
What interested you in becoming a GBV advocate?
A friend of mine, Shaanika Nashilongo, a determined goodwill citizen, who went through the effect of GBV, approached me with to speak out against GBV and the negative effect it has on humanity. I started off as an ordinary philanthropist, assisting him with the initial equipment necessary for him to kick-start the operations against GBV in his community, and in the long run he advocated the mandate through the project leader Dr Veronica Theron from the Office of the First Lady under the initiative of One Namibia One Economy.
What does the appointment mean to you?
It gives me an opportunity to make a difference in the life of another person. I'm driven with a passion for the empowerment of women, and with my social responsibility and community-minded life, I wish to use my position, to transform as many lives as possible. My kindness starts from within and I will make sure it radiates out to everyone I touch, than beyond to help humanity.
How will you be spreading the gospel or creating awareness of GBV?
As an idolised musician, the youth and elders at large will hopefully listen to my message and I am hoping to combat GBV at an early stage of the born-free generation. In this way, they understand livelihood not based on the past, but the present and the future. I will conduct continuous public outreach programmes and awareness through my God-given talent and conduct anti-violence campaigns that will assist in changing the perceptions and mentalities of Namibians from the born-free generation to the adults.
What message would you give to someone that’s going through a bad relationship but is afraid to speak out about GBV?
One should never think of themselves as a victim, especially when it comes to GBV. They are strong and they can alter their present realities. I advise them to visit the established one-stop health centres countrywide where they offer assistance to individuals going through GBV. Let's stand together - One Namibia, One Economy in the spirit of Harambee.
June Shimuoshili
Gender-based violence (GBV) includes battering, intimate partner violence including marital rape, sexual violence, bride price-related violence, sexual abuse of female children in the household, early marriage, forced marriage, and intimidation at work, in school and elsewhere, commercial sexual exploitation, and trafficking of girls and women. The violence is directed specifically against a woman. GBV is caused by a myriad of things as described above, pinpointing a particular one would not be correct. It is up to us to ensure that we support the cause against GBV in all its forms.
What interested you in becoming a GBV advocate?
A friend of mine, Shaanika Nashilongo, a determined goodwill citizen, who went through the effect of GBV, approached me with to speak out against GBV and the negative effect it has on humanity. I started off as an ordinary philanthropist, assisting him with the initial equipment necessary for him to kick-start the operations against GBV in his community, and in the long run he advocated the mandate through the project leader Dr Veronica Theron from the Office of the First Lady under the initiative of One Namibia One Economy.
What does the appointment mean to you?
It gives me an opportunity to make a difference in the life of another person. I'm driven with a passion for the empowerment of women, and with my social responsibility and community-minded life, I wish to use my position, to transform as many lives as possible. My kindness starts from within and I will make sure it radiates out to everyone I touch, than beyond to help humanity.
How will you be spreading the gospel or creating awareness of GBV?
As an idolised musician, the youth and elders at large will hopefully listen to my message and I am hoping to combat GBV at an early stage of the born-free generation. In this way, they understand livelihood not based on the past, but the present and the future. I will conduct continuous public outreach programmes and awareness through my God-given talent and conduct anti-violence campaigns that will assist in changing the perceptions and mentalities of Namibians from the born-free generation to the adults.
What message would you give to someone that’s going through a bad relationship but is afraid to speak out about GBV?
One should never think of themselves as a victim, especially when it comes to GBV. They are strong and they can alter their present realities. I advise them to visit the established one-stop health centres countrywide where they offer assistance to individuals going through GBV. Let's stand together - One Namibia, One Economy in the spirit of Harambee.
June Shimuoshili
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