Shakirah is Programs Officer at UNASO. She is a survivor of child sexual abuse and a young woman living with HIV. She is an advocate for positive living and HIV prevention, and works tirelessly to see to it that “my HIV ends with me”. Shakirah leads peer education and counseling of young people through experience sharing, music, dance and drama. She is also an activist for the end of sexual abuse in Uganda, especially against girls and young women, and uses radio and talk shows to tell her story to inspire more girls to speak up about their challenges and seek help.
Fellowship Focus
Shakirah supported young people in Uganda to engage with and influence ongoing HIV prevention research in Uganda; she strengthened PrEP and microbicides awareness and created demand for PrEP among young people. She also pushed for policies that protect against gender-based violence and that support HIV and sexual and reproductive health integration. She established an inter-university coalition to provide a platform for student leaders to discuss HIV related issues in eleven universities across the country.
In Their Own Words
For me, to give a young person out there any chance to a better life is important and is the source of my strength to advocate for HIV prevention.
Media
- People Fixing the World, BBC podcast
- Drug Could Beat Back HIV — If People Could Get It, Global Press Journal
Materials
- Uganda CSOs Call for Vaginal Ring Funding, Mbarara News
- World AIDS Day 2020
Get in Touch
If you have any questions about the Fellows Program, or would like to reach out to a Fellow (current or alumni), e-mail us at fellows@avac.org.