Pombili On GBV: ‘Enough Is Enough’

Well-known MC and TV host Pombili Shilongo has long been one of the most recognisable faces in Namibian entertainment, which is why recent news of her quitting a decade-long career with the national broadcaster sent shock waves across the arts world.

Her supporters know her as a former presenter of the popular NBC TV show ‘Whatagwan’ and as a television producer, but many don’t know Shilongo is passionate about social change as well. She will be turning her efforts towards addressing gender-based violence (GBV).

“Even when I had my full-time job at the NBC, I have always made time to do charity work here and there,” she says.

“Namibian women and girls are the main victims of rape, domestic violence and intimate partner violence. This matter gives me sleepless nights, and the situation has worsened with the Covid-19 pandemic,” she says.

Shilongo believes it is important to take on more charity work – especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“My passion for charity work has grown in the past few months. The lockdown period and its adverse consequences on social progression concerned me to the point of rolling up my sleeves to contribute to social justice. We need to do more to help address the issue. Enough is enough.”

Shilongo, in partnership with the Namibia Planned Parenthood Association (Nappa) and the United Nations Population Fund in Namibia (UNFPA), has started a project called ‘Ensuring Life-Saving GBV Assistance to Women and Girls’.

She will engage with adolescents and young people, including those with disabilities, through traditional and social media.

“These platforms will create a safe and non-judgemental space to get help from available services, increase awareness of prevention and identify red flags. In a nutshell, we want a community that cares for each other.”

Visit Nappa and UNFPA’s social media platforms for more information on the initiative.