Ugandans among African women recognised for HIV fight

Ugandans are among several women from the east and central Africa who have been recognised for their role in the fight against HIV.

The awardees were from countries including Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya, Zanzibar and Uganda. 

Among the Ugandan women awarded was Betty Muhangi for her exceptional dedication to empowering women and girls living with HIV and her tireless efforts in shaping the HIV response.

Muhangi is part of a transformative network that amplifies the voices of marginalised women and creates policies that improve their lives.

Through her involvement with the International Community of Women Living with HIV Eastern Africa (ICWEA), she has seen the immense impact of bridging the gap between policy and lived realities.

As part of the FIERCE campaign, Muhangi envisions ICWEA inspiring young people through mentorship and capacity-building.

By providing education on sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and creating opportunities for leadership development.

Muhangi believes the FIERCE campaign can empower young women to challenge stigma, take ownership of their health, and actively participate in community-building efforts.

Her most fulfilling achievement as an advocate has been witnessing tangible outcomes, such as improved access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission.

Seeing women and girls live healthier, empowered lives as a result of this work reaffirms the importance of the HIV advocacy movement.

Among the projects she is proud of are her work in advancing treatment literacy programs for HIV and tuberculosis (TB), her role in promoting the elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission (EMTCT), and her advocacy for integrated HIV and TB services.

She has also worked extensively to foster sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) for women living with HIV, ensuring they have the information and resources to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

Stakeholders and members of the International Community of Women Living with HIV Eastern Africa (ICWEA), Dr Mary Bongman PEPFA country coordinator this was after the handing over accolades to outstanding dedicated women for empowering women and girls living with HIV and her tireless efforts in shaping the HIV response at the Protea Hotel Kampala.

Another Ugandan

Muhangi was awarded with Jane Mwirumubi,  a Ugandan who was recognised for her exceptional contributions to the HIV response and her unwavering advocacy for women and girls living with HIV (WLHIV).

Mwirumbi’s deep passion for the cause of WLHIV led her to join the board of the driven by a desire to give back to the community that shaped her.

She has been instrumental in empowering women and girls to advocate for their rights and health, emphasizing the importance of their involvement in decision-making spaces.

Her commitment to addressing stigma and discrimination continues to empower young women and men to take action in their communities.

Throughout her advocacy journey, she has worked tirelessly to combat the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles, pushing back against gender biases and stereotypes that hinder their advancement.

She is a passionate advocate for the visibility of women’s contributions to the HIV response, particularly in areas where their efforts have long gone unnoticed.

Mwirumbi’s work has helped create support groups for people living with HIV, advocated for greater access to treatment, and organised awareness campaigns to reduce stigma.

She has also witnessed the transformation of vulnerable individuals, helping them regain their health and return to school, as well as empowering young women and men to take charge of their health.

She committed to addressing the most pressing issues facing women and girls in the HIV response today, including improving access to health and SRHR services, combating stigma, and advocating for equal resources and opportunities.

Mwirumubi’s dedication to empowering women and girls and her leadership in the HIV response have made her an inspiring role model.

Others who were awarded by ICWEA at an event in Kampala on November 29, 2024, were Adrienne Munene (Burundi), Mpendwa Abinery (Tanzania), Consalata John (Zanzibar), Rose Elias Mwanri (Kenya) and Philomène Cyulinyana (Rwanda).

Background

In 2021 ICWEA launched the Fighter, Intelligent, Empowered, Resilient, Courageous and Excelling [FIERCE] awards by awarding women living with HIV in their diversity in eastern Africa who have made great contributions towards fighting HIV and AIDS which was in line with the International Women’s Day (IWD).

ICWEA decided to recognize and celebrate the achievements made by women living with HIV after a distressing experience of the sudden demise of two great women living with HIV who had dedicated their lives to fighting for the lives of women and girls living with HIV in Kenya and in Rwanda who both served as Country Coordinators at the time of their deaths.