In a world where injustices persist and marginalized communities continue to face discrimination, activism serves as a powerful tool for driving positive change and advocating for the rights of those who have been historically oppressed. In today’s society, activism and social justice play a fundamental part in embodying the principles of fairness, equality, and respect for all individuals.
Ndiilokelwa Nthengwe
Many know Namibia’s very own Ndiilokelwa Nthengwe. Afterbreak Magazine had the pleasure of speaking to her again to discuss the significance of youth activism in Namibia today.
Nthengwe was the face behind the microphone during the 2020 #Shutitalldown protest. And is an author, award-winning activist, business graduate, and tech entrepreneur all while being a journalism student. In addition, she is an ambassador for HERVoiceFund, a communications director of Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA), and executive director for Choices and Rights Coalition (VCRC) and Reproductive Justice Clinic (RJC).
She launched Namibia’s very first mobile clinic and welfare organization, Reproductive Justice Clinic (RJC), “to connect intersectional communities to reproductive health commodities as part of closing the gaps on the lack of contraceptives but also to advance our advocacy further should the abortion law be reformed,” she stated. Furthermore, she has established a digital studio to increase the visibility of marginalized identities.
Ndiilokelwa has always been about advocating for the dignity of all people, as that is a fundamental human right, however, the brutal death of her cousin Shannon Wasserfall has solidified her stance on advocacy and activism. When it comes to advising people on activism, Ndiilokelwa believes that you do not need to be labeled as an activist to be able to leave an impact. She added, “I especially give more context in my second book, ‘You F*cked With The Wrong Generation! An Ode to Modern-Day Activism in Namibia’, in that, there is no right or absolute way to advocate for anything. You are never on the ‘wrong side of history’ if you choose to define your activism path.”
They stand firm in their advocacy for reproductive justice, survivors of SGBV, and the dignity of LGBTQIA+ persons. She writes about her journey in her first book, The Chronicles of a Non-Binary Black Lesbian Namibian… In Love. And her second book, You F*cked With The Wrong Generation! An Ode to Modern-Day Activism in Namibia and her blog.
Youth Activism
Young people play a significant role in driving these movements forward, as they bring fresh perspectives, energy, and passion to the table. It is important that we are taught from a young age, to stand for what we believe in, fight the injustices and serve oppressed communities. We need to educate ourselves on the injustices happening around us and understand the impact it is causing on the members of our communities. By collaborating with people who share the same passion as we do, we are able to amplify our voices, pool resources, and create a more significant impact.
Activism and serving justice can be done through art, music, writing, technology, or other forms of expression. We need to stand up against injustice or inequality, and amplify underrepresented voices. This all can contribute to building a more just and equal society for all.
