A Beacon Of Hope And Advocacy For HIV Awareness

-

 


Nawanyaga Gloria, a distinguished alumna of Uganda Christian University with a degree in Law (LLB), Class of 2020, has emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Gloria’s unwavering commitment to a world free from HIV and her passion for an HIV-free generation have propelled her into roles that champion zero stigma and discrimination.

Gloria’s journey is marked by significant achievements, beginning with her tenure as Miss Young Positives (Miss Y+ 2017/18). In this role, she was a representative for young people living with HIV/AIDS under the Uganda Network of Young People Living with HIV/AIDS (UNYPA). Her advocacy extended to promoting sexual reproductive health and rights, universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support, and the greater involvement of young people in policymaking.

Her professional journey includes a pivotal role at the Makerere-University John Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Research Collaboration. As a youth/adolescent peer educator, she provided holistic psychosocial support to adolescents and young people grappling with adherence challenges, significantly impacting those with high viral loads through regional camps across Uganda.

 

In 2019, Gloria’s influence expanded as she was nominated to the ICASA Youth Programmes Committee, representing young people living with HIV in East Africa. Her advocacy for gender equality and the empowerment of young girls and women earned her recognition from the International Society of Women Living with HIV in East Africa, further solidifying her as a champion against violence towards young girls and women.

As the reigning Miss Uganda Rising Woman (2019-2022), Gloria has continued her relentless fight against HIV stigma and discrimination. She advocates for the inclusivity of young people living with HIV (YPLHIV) in private sector programming for adolescent girls and young women. Utilizing her talent in edutainment, mass media, and social media, Gloria has amplified awareness about HIV, striving for a more inclusive and supportive society.

On How She Started  

Gloria’s entrepreneurial spirit led to the founding of the Y+ Music Band, a platform for young people living with HIV to use their talents for societal impact through edutainment. The band has nurtured the talents of over 500 young individuals through song compositions, voicing, and video production.

In 2023, Gloria founded the GILO Young Positives Foundation, a youth-led charity organization dedicated to empowering, educating, and equipping young people living with HIV to improve their livelihoods and well-being. The foundation has positively impacted over 10,000 young people, providing programs focused on economic empowerment, human rights advocacy, and promoting good health and well-being.

On Her Successes 

Gloria’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. She received the Pearl of Africa Fashion Award for Best Beauty Queen in 2018 and the Outstanding Philly Lutaaya Award in 2022 from the Uganda AIDS Commission for her exceptional work in challenging HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

On her challenges and Future Plans

Despite facing challenges such as lack of funding and the occasional lack of visionary partners, Gloria has persevered through strategic partnerships and social enterprises, such as marketing branded positive living products. These initiatives not only sustain the organization’s daily activities but also directly benefit children living with HIV.

Looking ahead, Gloria aims for her foundation to be the leading organization impacting the lives of young people living with HIV and children, promoting their quality of life and livelihoods.


Her Words of Advice For The Alumni Network And Current Fellows 

She advises the alumni network to never let the fire within them cease in achieving their dreams and to be the change they wish to see. For current fellows aspiring to start their social enterprises, Gloria’s message is clear: follow your heart, start regardless of the timing, and remain steadfast in the face of challenges.

Nawanyaga Gloria's story is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment to making a difference. Her journey continues to inspire and pave the way for a brighter, HIV-free future for young people in Uganda and beyond.

You can connect with Gloria on X(Twitter) and Facebook



 


 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Turning Ideas Into Success: The Power Of Perseverance

-
Image
  In the journey of entrepreneurship, many teams come together with brilliant ideas. But often, just a few months in, conflicts arise, and they disband, leaving behind what could have been great success stories. This isn’t a reflection of their potential but rather a reminder that `` 𝐍𝐨 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐲 `` True success requires 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 . It's about putting your idea out there and committing to the grind for two or three years. During this time, it's crucial to: 🔄 Engage with your customers 🔄 Continuously improve your product   🔄 Repeat the cycle   When we look at successful start-up’s, they might seem like overnight successes. But delve into their early days, and you’ll find that many faced periods where quitting seemed like the most sensible option. Yet, these founders pushed through those challenging times. They 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 , refined their ideas, and ultimately fou...
Read more

Celebrating International Youth Day: The Power And Potential Of Our Alumni

-
Image
  As the BT Alumni Fellows Association, we proudly join the global community in celebrating and recognizing the incredible power and potential of young people around the world. Today, on International Youth Day, we honor the remarkable contributions young people make in their communities, and we encourage them to continue dreaming big and making a lasting impact. Our alumni, spread across diverse sectors such as education, agriculture, health, entrepreneurship, employment, IT, and tourism, embody the spirit of innovation and leadership. Their energy, creativity, and fresh ideas are driving solutions to complex challenges and paving the way for a brighter future. These dedicated individuals are not just shaping the future of our communities; they are also making a significant difference in the lives of countless people. We also want to spotlight the extraordinary efforts of the current fellows, who are tirelessly working to improve children's learning in the rural primary s...
Read more

She Can Fix It, The Key To A Brighter Future

-
Image
  In today's world, geopolitical tensions simmer, poverty casts a long shadow, and climate change whispers warnings of a storm on the horizon. It’s enough to make anyone feel helpless.  But what if the key to unlocking a brighter future isn’t some grand technological leap or political negotiation? What if the answer lies in a force already present, yet often undervalued: women’s leadership and ingenuity? Empowering women highlights the incredible power they hold. But it’s not just about support—it’s about investing in their ability to shape a more just and sustainable world. A Path to Global Recovery Investing in women means allocating resources towards education, healthcare, and economic opportunities specifically tailored to women’s needs.  It involves breaking down systemic barriers that have long hindered women’s progress and recognizing their roles as leaders, innovators, and change-makers.  By doing so, we uplift half of the population and unlock a wealth of po...
Read more