Journey Home

It August 20, 2008, after returning from Mexico there is so much memories and good lessons learn at the IAC that I would not rest until I am personally able to do work for women living with the virus.

My cousin died last November after living for 12 years knowing that she was infectd and leaving 3 children behind. Why did she do that I always asked myself. At this conference I realise that infected women still have all the desires like a normal human being and still want to live normal lives. Do we as unifected persons give them the chance or even the space to do so? No! We seldom do so, if we do at all. Even though I felt that more emphasis should have been placed on women at the conference I think it should start with me to make that possible. What I do at home to start making the difference.

I never knowingly stigmatized or discriminated against anybody with HIV/AIDS but I never allowed them to have their spaces, thinking, once you are infected your sexuality should be dead I suppose. What a thing to do within your heart. Today its a change of heart veiwing for me.

As I return to my country within the next 3 weeks I would be working with women in my community who are positive to have a very positive out look on life, have normal lives, live very normal and participate at all level of the YWCA Decision making activities when it comes to HIV/AIDS events. It is a must to include them since they are the ones to teach me and help me do things that would be effective for them.

I do hope that I can connect to anyone that send comment so tegether we can really make a difference in these women lives.