Program Empowers Woman to Overcome Obstacles, Reduce Stigma

JANUARY 2007 — Less than a year ago, Esther Nanga Audi had lost the will to live. Her husband, a civilian tailor at a military camp, committed suicide after learning he was HIV-positive. After his death, Esther's in-laws seized the family's possessions, forcing her to care for her two children in an empty house. Her neighbors in Nakuru, Kenya, shunned her and some even prevented their children from playing with Esther's daughters, Keziah, 14, and Agnes, 10. Esther wanted to leave Nakuru but felt she had nowhere to go. She sank deeper into depression when she learned she too was HIV-positive.

Then a friend referred her to Nuru Ya Jamii. With the support of program counselors, she accepted her HIV status, began receiving care in March 2006 and went on ARVs in August. Esther also joined Nuru Ya Jamii partner Ambassadors of Hope and became a dynamic campaigner for PLHA in her community. She even disclosed her HIV status to her church congregation and urged members to support others living with HIV/AIDS.

Encouraged by her resilience and openness, Esther's neighbors began to accept and confide in her. "I tell people my story to show them that AIDS is real. If I had known this before, I would never have been infected. I would have insisted on taking an HIV test before marriage, and that's what I tell young girls I meet," Esther said.
 
Through her participation in Nuru Ya Jamii, Esther also learned how to communicate better with her children. This included disclosing her HIV status to Keziah. Their discussions helped the girl come to terms with both her mother's condition and father's death. Keziah and Agnes also received school uniforms and books through the program.

Esther's fortunes further improved when soldiers who knew her husband learned of her financial difficulties and helped her reopen her husband's shop.

She is feeling stronger now and hopes to see her children finish school. "That is why I have put all my efforts in the tailoring business," she said.

PHOTO: Esther Nanga (Nuru Ya Jamii staff)