I'm Carolyne Mwinamo from Kenya, a mother of three kids, one girl and two boys. I'm a mother living with HIV for fourteen years. All my kids are negative and I'm very proud and happy for that. Two are in school and my last born will soon be joining school as well.
Back to my status, it really struck me upon knowing that I was positive. It was a tough moment for me. That was the least thing I could think of. I believed HIV existed, but it's not common where I come from so I believed I couldn't contract such a disease. From where?? From who?? That's how I was brought up.
During my diagnosis, I was sick. As always, I thought it was malaria... so when I visited the hospital and the doctor asked if I could do the HIV test, I quickly accepted because I knew it couldn't happen. Therefore when the doctor came with my results... it was a long day to me. I cried.....I cried.....I cried..... I didn't believe. How??? Why???
But throughout the journey, stigma was responsible for my worst moments. Being stigmatized with the closest friends and relatives... the people you really loved and trusted. It was really hard on me. Accepting my status and moving forward took me time, took me all my tears.
But now I stand up straight to tell the world that I'm strong, I have accepted my status, I'm very healthy and living happily, facing every challenge with a strong heart. Stigma can't kill my future. I'm a very strong woman fighting for a better tomorrow.
💪💪 Tomorrow where stigma will be our past tense. 💪🙏🙏
Why Carolyne wants to be part of A Girl Like Me: To gain support, to be strong, and to let others learn from my experience.
Welcome.
Welcome to our community and thank you for sharing. Its a big step to open and write about one's status, and I appreciate and thank you for doing so. Sending light and welcoming hugs!
Bridgette aka Red
Welcome
Carolyne, thank you so much for sharing your story. 🌹 Your strength as a mother and as a woman shines so brightly through your words. I can only imagine how heavy those early days of your diagnosis must have felt, especially facing stigma from those closest to you. That kind of pain leaves deep marks — but the way you’ve risen above it is powerful and inspiring.
You’ve not only protected your children’s health, but you’ve also shown them (and the world) what resilience looks like. 💪 The way you stand tall now, claiming your future and refusing to let stigma define you, is the kind of hope so many people need to hear.
I’m grateful you’ve joined A Girl Like Me. Your voice matters, your story matters, you matter. 🦋💜
In sisterhood,
CupCake
Welcome!!!!
It is a pleasure to have part of a girl like me. Thank you for being brave and sharing your story. We all are connected in the stories we share. I think it is great you are not letting stigma take over your life. Know you are here for a greater purpose. All I can say is welcome girl. Happy to have you.
Welcome Carolyne!!
It is so great to have you here and to read how far you have come over the past 14 years! I cannot wait to learn more about you and hope that you find a community of warmth and love here amongst these amazing women. Yaaay!
Welcome to our sisterhood…
Welcome to our sisterhood and thank you for sharing! Facing stigma from those w love most is never easy but the only acceptance you need is your own! So glad you found that.