F.I.E.R.C.E AWARD 2023- RECOGNIZING YOUR CONTRIBUTION: INSPIRING YOUNG WOMEN LEADERS

Dorothy Onyango was recognized among 5 other champions from Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi during the F.I.E.R.C.E Award ceremony which was held in Uganda on 8^th June, 2023. The courageous women have made a substantial contribution to the community through their work in empowering women and young women in HIV prevention and treatment response in their countries.

Ms. Dorothy Onyango is the Chief Executive Officer & founder member of women fighting AIDS in Kenya (WOFAK). Born in 1958, Dorothy has a degree in community development and currently pursuing a Master’s degree in leadership.

She was one of the founder member of ICW Global in 1992, founding member and Chair of Pan African Positive Women Coalition (PAPWC), was also the first chair of National Network of people living with HIV in Kenya (NEPHAK), was board member of the National AIDS Control Council (NSDCC) until 2021 chairing the programmes committee and many other local organizations.

During a F.I.E.R.C.E Award consultative meeting held at Summerdale Hotel, Nairobi on 22^nd May, 2023, women living with HIV representatives from across the country met and shared their various contributions in their communities. ICWK Patron, Dorothy Odhiambo, emphasized the importance of self-care, wisdom, education, and skills in the fight against HIV.

ICW Kenya Chapter ED, Lucy Ghati, stated that the time for mourning is over and emphasized the importance of working together to end AIDS in children, with women playing a crucial role. Lucy encouraged women to increase their capacity, support and build each other, and document their stories to inspire others.

The annual F.I.E.R.C.E Woman Living with HIV Award was introduced in 2021 by the International Community of Women Living with HIV in Eastern Africa (ICWEA) to honor and appreciate the women who are Fighters, Intelligent, Empowered, Resilient, Courageous and Excelling in the continuing advocacy and activism for women living with HIV in Kenya and the world at large.

Dorothy was awarded among 5 other champions; Seconde Nsabim(Burundi), Kuradusenge Pelagie(Rwanda), Rustika Bnazi(Tanzania) and Milly Katana from Uganda.