Women drive TZ’s HIV response through leadership, advocacy

WOMEN are emerging as key drivers of Tanzania’s national HIV response, using leadership, advocacy and mentorship to reduce stigma and improve the wellbeing of people living with HIV.

This was highlighted by the Board Chairperson of Dignity and Wellbeing for Women Living with HIV in Tanzania (DWWT), Rehema Chizumi during the FIERCE event held over the weekend to celebrate women living with HIV and their partners.

She said the event demonstrated how women’s leadership is shaping national HIV strategies while strengthening community-led initiatives.

“This day is dedicated to recognising and celebrating the remarkable work done by women living with HIV and their stakeholders,” Ms Chizumi said, noting that certificates and awards presented were a token of appreciation for their lifelong dedication and impact.

She added that such recognition encourages continued advocacy and inspires the next generation of leaders.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director of the National Council of People Living with HIV (NACOPHA), Agnes Nyoni emphasised that intergenerational collaboration is key to sustaining progress in the HIV response.

“The future lies in collaboration between older and younger generations, where we support and learn from one another. In the end, we will be strong women and we will go far,” she said, highlighting mentorship as essential in building resilient leadership.

The importance of advocacy was echoed by Assistant Administrator of DARE Organisation, Edibily Kabyazi who praised the courage of women in confronting stigma and advancing national HIV initiatives.

He also recognised Joan Chamungu for championing women’s leadership and commended DWWT for promoting sustainable empowerment across communities.

Oden Kabuka of Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial University shared findings from the Tanzania HIV Impact Survey (2022/2023), noting that adolescent girls and young women remain disproportionately affected by new infections.

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“Living with HIV does not mean the end of life,” he said, urging continued commitment to the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets and emphasising the need for youth-focused interventions.

At the community level, a representative from the Ubungo cluster under NACOPHA, Kyala Lweno, encouraged volunteerism as a tool to combat stigma and strengthen peer support networks.

“We must embrace volunteerism to empower each other and improve wellbeing,” she said, linking grassroots engagement to national outcomes.

In her keynote address, Dr Tatu Nyange of the International Community of Women Living with HIV Eastern Africa (ICWEA) said that while recognition events mark important milestones, the journey continues.

“This is a special day to honour courage and contributions, but our journey is not over,” she said.

“Our strength is in our unity, and our value is in our voices.”

Meanwhile, Grace Mallya, National Programme Officer at UNAIDS, said the event reflected the resilience and commitment of women and girls living with HIV.

“To achieve the 2030 goals, we must continue raising our voices and addressing community realities,” she said, urging communities to take ownership of the upcoming 2026–2031 strategic framework to ensure sustainable impact.

She called for stronger advocacy, intergenerational collaboration, and continued empowerment of women and young women as central pillars of Tanzania’s HIV response.