BORN with HIV and a survivor of sexual abuse, Namakau Mundia has faced challenges that could have shattered anyone. Yet, she has chosen to rise above rejection, stigma, and unimaginable pain to become a beacon of hope and inspiration for others.
Growing up, Namakau endured rejection and neglect from her own family.
The weight of stigma, compounded by words of hopelessness from those closest to her, could have defined her future.
“I was told that they couldn’t waste money on an already dead person,” she recalls.
Dishonored and ostracised, even by her father, Namakau was left to navigate the scars of her childhood on her own.
Despite these struggles, Namakau’s determination to build a better future for herself never wavered.

“I refused to let the circumstances of my birth dictate my destiny,” she said.
Homeless at one point and labeled with cruel names, Namakau persevered. She completed secondary school against all odds, working as a live-in maid to support herself.
Her relentless drive led her to achieve her dream of becoming a Zambian Registered Midwife Nurse.
The journey was far from easy, with financial struggles and moments of doubt threatening to derail her progress. However, Namakau’s resilience carried her through. Today, she is more than a survivor. she is an advocate for change, dedicated to helping others rise above their challenges.
Her passion for advocacy stems from her personal experiences.
Namakau actively works to address issues such as gender-based violence, HIV stigma, and mental health in her community.
Although she has yet to be deployed as a nurse, she finds purpose in empowering others by working with youth-friendly initiatives.
“I want every young person going through similar struggles to know that their circumstances do not define them,” she said.
“To the young girl who feels unworthy because of what society says about her, you are enough. To the young boy battling low self-esteem because of where he comes from your past does not determine your future.”
Her advocacy is inspired by role models like Keembe Member of Parliament Princess Kasune, whose story of courage taught Namakau to dream beyond her circumstances.
She also credits organisations like Women in Global Health Zambia and Empowerment Initiative for Rural Women and Adolescents for helping her discover her potential and equipping her to make a difference in the lives of others.
“These organisations have been a beacon of hope in my journey. Through mentorship, they’ve given me the tools to empower women and youth, reminding me of my purpose and strengthening my resilience,” Namakau shared.
For her, the challenges she has faced have become her mission.
She wants her story to remind others that they are not alone.
“If my story can reach even one person and remind them that they are strong and worthy, then every challenge I’ve faced will have been worth it,” said Namakau.
When life gives you lemons, be a Namakau and turn them into lemonade and enjoy every sip of it with a straw.
By Buumba Mwitumwa
Kalemba January 23, 2025