A Girl Like Me is a space where women living with HIV can share exactly as often as they want to. Some blog frequently, others blog every now and then, and still others write a single blog — because that one piece was what they wanted or needed to share. Some women may take a break from blogging for all kinds of reasons. Helena Nangombe joined A Girl Like Me back in 2013 and because it's been a while, we thought we'd reintroduce her to those of you in the community who may not have met her yet!
Call me Helena, a Namibian HIV activist, community expert, and founder of the Young Women Empowerment Network (YWEN), a grassroots organization that empowers adolescent girls and young women living with or at risk of HIV in rural northern Namibia. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience in HIV and sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as my own lived experience as a woman living with HIV, I lead efforts to combat stigma, improve access to information and services, and support informed decision-making on prevention, health, and gender-based violence. I previously served as a civil society member of the Robert Carr Fund (RCF) International Steering Committee and have held roles including Chair of the Aidsfonds Paediatric HIV Advisory Panel and assistant coordinator at the Sam Nujoma Multi-purpose Centre.
Why Helena wants to be part of A Girl Like Me: I want my thoughts as a woman living with HIV for 30 years on paper to encourage and bring hope to other women leaders living with HIV. I have been on this page and a member for a long time.
