A REAL HERO/COURAGEOUS SHEPHERD in Africa/World: Uyapo Nadadi challenges pre-existing stigmas and pushes for increased equality among all Batswana

Uyapo Ndadi, the Executive Director at Botswana Network on Ethics, Law and HIV/AIDs (BONELA),

Uyapo Ndadi has been named a 2010 Junior Chamber International Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World (JCI TOYP) recipient, in the category of contribution to children, world peace and/or human rights. According to Mmengi Online HERE


BONELA Chairperson, Tshiamo Rantao, said the organisation is proud to have at its helm a dedicated and world acclaimed leader who is passionate about the plight of those who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS as well as those that are ostracised by society due to their sexual orientation. He added that "Uyapo is a dynamic, passionate and motivated young man, who has pushed the limits of what is possible for his generation to achieve in the realm of human rights and HIV and AIDS. BONELA is very proud of him and hope he will continue in his pursuit of justice for the marginalised."

Part of Ndadi's citation for the award reads: ¨has challenged pre-existing stigmas and pushed for increased equality among all Batswana, regardless of medical condition or sexual preference. By working with BONELA, Ndadi advocated for policy changes within the government that abolished employment discrimination based on HIV status. He is also fighting Botswana's decision to deny foreigners and inmates antiretroviral drugs for HIV and AIDS. Being a member of the National AIDS Council, Ndadi has used his experience and success to advocate policy changes in front of a broad audience. He has been featured throughout Botswana on radio and television programmes, speaking on sensitive issues and legal matters, including HIV/AIDS and recently participated in a panel discussion organised by JCI Botswana about HIV and human rights policy. His advocacy for those affected by HIV/AIDS is a challenging journey as he strives to provide medical interventions to all." HERE

· Thanks to African Activist, sidebar
· Thanks to Mmengi Online, Africa
· Thanks to Uyapo Ndadi, Outstanding Youth of the World
· Thanks to Tshiamo Rantao, BONELA, Botswana
· Thanks to 2010 Junior Chamber International
· Thanks to Amplifying Africa's LGBTI Voices