CampusLife
SAD: ‘Stigma and discrimination still persists’ against people living with HIV, says agency
Based on 13 country team surveys throughout the world, the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) HIV Stigma and Discrimination in the World of Work: Findings from the People Living with HIV Stigma Index, draws on interviews with more than 100,000 people living with the virus.
“It is sad to see that despite years of work, stigma and discrimination still persist,” said Shauna Olney, Chief of the ILO branch which deals with gender, equality, diversity and AIDS, speaking in Amsterdam at the launch.
“But treatment alone is not sufficient. We must work harder to reduce stigma and discrimination for people living with HIV at workplaces. They have a right to work and no one should deny them that,” she added.
Co-written with the Global Network of People Living with HIV, the report was introduced during the biennial International AIDS Conference “AIDS 2018”, which has been taking place this week; the largest conference on any global health or development issue in the world.
The data highlights a number of findings, such as that 10 out of 13 countries recorded a 30 per cent or higher unemployment rate for people living with HIV, with a greater rate among HIV-positive youth.
And women living with HIV are less likely to be employed then their male counterparts because of unpaid care responsibilities, and a lack of independent income.
Moreover, unemployment among HIV-positive transgender people in all countries remains high.
Hiding their HIV status
Another key finding reveals that their HIV status costs many people their jobs – often because of employer or co-worker discrimination.
“When information about my [HIV] status reached my manager, he called me to his office,” said an anonymous individual facing discrimination, in the report. “First he told me I was working badly – doing too little work. Then he asked me to submit my resignation, without any serious explanation – as if I were resigning voluntarily.”
As a result, many people are hesitant to disclose their HIV status. to employers or even co-workers. Testimony from Cameroon, in West Africa, shows the extent of the problem of accessing employment:
“I went to pick up my appointment letter only to be told that I had to undergo a medical examination. I already knew my sero-status, which I told the human resource officer about. She said I had to do the examination which confirmed my HIV-positive status. That marked the end of getting the job as they could not recruit me even though I had passed the interview,” said one anonymous interviewee.
Similarly, HIV-related discrimination remains a major cause for not receiving job promotions.
“What this report shows is that we still have a long way to go in our efforts to combat workplace related stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV,” said Sasha Volgina, GNP+ Programme Manager. “Access to healthcare and access to employment are inextricably linked and as such a meaningful commitment towards stemming the epidemic and securing the wellbeing of all people living with HIV, cannot be met without prioritizing ending HIV stigma in the workplace.”
CampusLife
A Joyous Milestone: Pamela Iweze Celebrates Daughter’s Graduation with Pride, Purpose, and a Message of Hope
Reporter: SANDRA ANI
In a heartfelt celebration filled with joy, pride, and inspiration, Ms Pamela Iweze—renowned advocate and founder of Olivedoor Community CIC and the Pamela Iweze Kingdom Children Foundation (PIKCF)—witnessed a deeply personal milestone as her daughter, Princess Christiana Adebisi a Classical trained Music Scholar from the famous London Music Fund, graduated from the prestigious Royal Alexandra and Albert School.
The graduation ceremony was a proud and emotional moment not only for the family but for a broader community that has watched Ms Iweze dedicate her life to advocating for children, empowering women, and building bridges of support between Nigeria and the UK. For the many who gathered—family, friends, and well-wishers from both sides of the Atlantic—it was a celebration of legacy, resilience, and the fulfilment of a mother’s dream.
“It’s an incredible blessing to see my daughter achieve this milestone,” Ms Iweze shared emotionally. “Over the years, I’ve stood beside so many families celebrating their children’s growth. Today, I’m grateful to be the one celebrating mine.”
Princess Christiana’s achievement stands as a testament not only to her dedication but to the enduring value that Nigerians in the diaspora continue to bring to their host communities.
Her success adds to the growing number of Nigerian youths abroad who are making meaningful contributions—academically, socially, and professionally—putting Nigeria in a positive global spotlight.
This moment is also a powerful reminder of the intellectual excellence that Nigerians have long demonstrated across the world. It reinforces the importance of education, particularly for the girl child, and affirms that given the right support and encouragement, Nigerian girls can rise to the highest levels of academic and personal success.
For Ms Iweze, the occasion was more than a graduation—it was the embodiment of everything she has worked for: creating opportunities, nurturing potential, and promoting the importance of strong family and community values.
In a joint congratulatory message, Olivedoor Community CIC UK and PIKCF Nigeria commended Princess Christiana for exemplifying the very principles they stand for: excellence, integrity, and service.
Her journey, they noted, reflects the hope of a new generation of Nigerians shaping the future with courage and conviction.
As the celebrations continue, this milestone reminds us all that the empowerment of one child—especially a girl—can echo across nations, inspire communities, and transform futures.
There are times when you begin to observe somebody in your neighborhood, office, church or place of business. It might be someone you are beginning to like or someone you have interest in.
If it is any those reasons then you are likely to observe and decipher the person’s personality. However, here are some of the clues or things you need to look out for:
Observe the way they treat common people out there, e.g. Beggars, homeless people, waitress, cleaners etc. You can use this to measure their level of sympathy and empathy.
How do they talk about other people, do they mock, belittle and gossip about them? Such people cannot be trusted.
During difficulties and challenges in life, observe their behaviour. Are they calm or do they let their emotion overwhelm them? It’s either the person has the confidence or lacks confidence.
Anytime you are having a conversation with them: can they maintain eye contact or do they avoid eye contact?
Do you have a friend that remembers you only anytime he or she needs your assistance? It is a sign that the person doesn’t value a deep relationship and he or she is just using you.
- In this era, sorting isn’t a way out. If you run out of money, you’ll give your body and if they get tired what then do you give? – Ebube
BY: Sandra Ani
Nineteen year-old (19) Ebube Rebecca Okeke has emerged the Best Graduating Students (Department of Economic) and Best Graduating Student from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences with a CGPA of 4:71, at the Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State.
She attributed the feat to the mentorship by her mother, hard-work and prayers, stressing that she learnt a lot, not just academically but also about the environment.
GrassRoots.ng has a chat with Ebube…enjoy the dialogue
Can we meet you
My name is Ebube Rebecca Okeke, a graduate of Economics from Federal University Lokoja. I am 19 years old and I hail from Enugu State; Isi-Uzo Local Government Area to be precise.
Tell us about this big win of yours
To the glory of God; I emerged the Best graduating student from the Department of Economics and the Best graduating student from the Faculty of Arts and Social sciences with a CGPA of 4:71.
I particularly want to thank God for the grace, wisdom and strength. I also want to specially appreciate my mom; my best friend, mentor, role model and teacher. She thought me the value of hard-work, goal setting and goal getting. I’m grateful mom. To all of my lecturers, the entire staff of federal university Lokoja, my friends and family, Thank you for the support
I started this journey in the year 2015 and made straight A’s with a GP of 5.00 during my first semester in the university. That semester was tough and amazing. I learnt a lot, not just academically but also about the environment I found myself and how to make proper and beneficial decisions. I learnt the importance of relationships and diligence too. I made some pretty amazing friends, not just with students alone but with lecturers too and I’m grateful.
Every success story has bumps, but with the help of God, my family and friends I overcame. To everyone reading this, in which ever field you might be in you’ll definitely encounter challenges but don’t let it stop you, keep pushing.
To every student, read like it all depends on you, pray like it all depends on God and get a skill or develop your passion. Improve yourself mentally and other wise. The world’s changing, you should too.
How was it like growing up
I had an amazing child hood; went to the best primary and secondary schools; Spring Nursery and Primary school and Harmony Secondary school. Mom was very strict about the kind of movies and TV shows I watched; my social media activities and all that. It was annoying then, but now I’m grateful
Was there a time when teachers or mom had to force you to read?
Teachers; No. Mom; No. She basically just encouraged me, advised me and helped me through it. She was my lesson teacher. We did all my assignments together. During my undergraduate days, there were courses I didn’t really understand like Philosophy, Mom would read them and make notes/summaries for me.
In this era, some students believe it’s all about sorting, how can one stand out?
In this era, sorting isn’t a way out. If you run out of money, you’ll give your body and if they get tired what then do you give? Be diligent, don’t give the lecturers to put a negative tab on you. Attend classes, write all of your tests and assignments and submit on due dates
What’s your next plan?
To begin the real journey towards greatness. To start living and working towards my dreams and make impacts.
Congratulation, Ebube.
Thank you so much for this great opportunity and the feature.
Nigeria Doesn’t Need Applause—It Needs Access
A Joyous Milestone: Pamela Iweze Celebrates Daughter’s Graduation with Pride, Purpose, and a Message of Hope
My CFR National Honours Award
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