Mona grew up in a world that didn't seem to fit her. As a young transwoman, she often felt like an outsider, struggling to find her place in a society that seemed to demonise her very existence. Mona often heard people speaking negatively about her community, and the media only fueled the division. It was like she was constantly being told that she didn't belong.
As she got older, Mona realised that she wasn't alone in her struggles. Many other trans individuals faced similar challenges. The problem was that there were very few safe spaces for them to gather and express their unique needs.
According to UNAIDS, transgender people are 13 times higher at the risk of contracting HIV, and they are the lowest demographic at accessing HIV services. Due to societal and cultural factors, stigma, structural inequality, and gender-based violence, trans women living with HIV are on the extreme margin of risk, posing a severe threat towards the progress of ending HIV/AIDS.
Y+ Global is highlighting empowering stories of diverse women like Mona on this International Women's Day to advocate for their protection and investment in the rights, health, and well-being of adolescent girls and young women in all their diversity.
Mona knew that something had to be done to create a community where trans individuals could feel safe and supported. That's when she became a trans activist, feminist, and researcher. “The demonising narrative of the trans community in society inspired me to work towards changing the perception of people that I am more than my sexual organ; I am an educated advocate with a voice that can make a change,” says Mona.
She joined forces with Transgender Equality Uganda, the first female-led trans organisation in the country, to raise awareness of inclusion and advocate for the rights of transgender women in Uganda. Since its establishment in 2014, the organisation has been dedicated to creating safe spaces for trans folks to come together and support one another.
Mona later joined Vibrant Young Voices (VYV) as a Youth Advisor to work in collaboration with Y+ Global. The primary objective of this partnership is to empower adolescents and young people who are often left behind by ensuring their voices are heard in policy-making, funding decisions, and program development at all levels. Her contributions to this noble cause include conducting research, mentorship activities, and offering guidance to promote greater knowledge and meaningful youth engagement in health services.
In March 2023, Uganda’s parliament passed a law that made it a crime to identify as LGBTQ+, handing authorities extensive powers to target LGBTQ+ Ugandans who already face legal discrimination and violence. The law came with extremely harsh and inhumane consequences, including death for aggravated homosexuality and life in prison for same-sex relations.
Mona has been working with her organisation to create a safe and inclusive platform for transwomen to share their voices and concerns. Now, because of the existence of this draconian law, she has not shied away from her duty of care to her trans sisters and brothers. Every day, the trans community is facing a constant violation of their human rights with no hope of justice or recourse, which ultimately hinders their access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care.
"We have not given up," she advocates strongly. "We will keep fighting against the rhetoric that unjustly labels us as criminals. We will continue to support young transwomen nationwide in accessing vital healthcare services, encouraging them to speak up against prejudice, discrimination, violence, and any other form of injustice."
Mona's story is incredibly inspiring. Despite facing injustice, she has shown immense bravery and dedication to ensuring that her peers access healthcare services. A just and equal world can only be achieved if we prioritise women's health and well-being and protect their rights.