Art Prize Win for Co-Author

Attending the European AIDS Conference (EACS), for the first time was an unforgettable experience.

I arrived with excitement, curiosity and a heart full of gratitude – knowing I was stepping into a global space where science, art and activism meet.

It was humbling to see so many people from around the world gathered with one shared goal, to change the narrative around HIV through Knowledge, innovation and compassion.

Being part of that energy, surrounded by inspiring researchers, community leaders and creatives made me realise how powerful our voices are when we come together.

Submitting my artwork “The Fallen Tree”, was both a leap of courage and an act of healing. It carried my story of resilience, loss and renewal – roots that may have been shaken but never broken. I didn’t expect anything beyond sharing a piece of myself, yet the moment of the award ceremony will stay with me forever.

When they called the Bronze Prize (3rd place), I whispered to my friend Angelina, co-author and co-editor of Our Stories Told By Us, that we had no chance but hope.

Angelina suddenly pointed at the screen, eyes wide, completely speechless. I turned and saw my name glowing on the screen, and before they could even finish announcing it, I leapt up and dashed to the stage, screaming with joy! I think I was in shock and overjoyed all at once – the kind of happiness that bursts out before you can even process it.

Winning the Silver Prize felt surreal. It wasn’t just about recognition – it was a celebration of resilience, creativity and sisterhood. That Silver moment reminded me that our stories, whether told through art, words or movement, truly matter.

Even fallen trees can grow new branches of hope.