At the National Muslim Council of Kenya, NMCK-NUR, “Breaking the silence, Behind the Veil” National Launch, ON BEHALF OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA GOVERNMENT, LAUNCHING AND ACCREDITING NAZLIN UMAR FAZALDIN RAJPUT AND HER HISTORICAL GROUNDBREAKING PROJECTS Launched by him and the Vice President of the Republic of Kenya His Excellency Hon Moody Awori, on the 25th day of April at the Panafric Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya.
“It is a real honor to be with you at the dedication of this important new project, on this great day we can celebrate the launch of the National Muslim Council of Kenya’s ‘Behind the Veil’ project. The project brings hope and power to women who for too long have lived behind the veil of stigma and social disparity. They have gained a voice to speak out and to be heard.
I want to express my sincere thanks and admiration for the strong women in the Muslim community who have come forward to address AIDS, the stigma surrounding AIDS and share the model of the ‘Behind the Veil’ as an example of what is best about our shared response. That is, to talk about how, together with our partners, faith-based organizations, and the rest of the donor community, we must act urgently to bring hope, help, and health to every Kenyan with HIV or AIDS.
In September 2004, at the tackling HIV/AIDS stigma workshop in Mombasa (held by the NMCK) Muslim women living with HIV/AIDS declared in public their HIV status, and their commitment to wage war on the disease and the stigma.
This was an unprecedented act, first for Muslim women in Kenya. These women are heroes, not just to Muslims, women and people with HIV AIDS. Their bravery and leadership, in standing up for what they knew to be right, despite of the likelihood of social condemnation, is a model for all of us.
This remarkable group of women includes some of the best-dedicated and passionate members of the Muslim faith (Nazlin Umar Fazaldin Rajput).
The “Behind the Veil” project is not mere optimism, but a hope that is transformable and leads to survival. “Behind the Veil” takes direct aim at the stigma and discrimination that has helped HIV/AIDS spread within the Muslim community. It has opened doors to discussion, and will create critical awareness among the male and female Muslim population.
Ninety percent of the people caring for HIV/AIDS affected and infected persons in Africa are faith-based women.
The National Muslim Council of Kenya is an important partner for the United States Government as we work to prevent new infections, provide treatment to those infected by HIV/AIDS and support and care for those, especially women and children, who have been affected by the epidemic. Projects like “Behind the Veil” effectively address the high levels of stigma that affect treatment access and adherence. This is an opportunity to hear the voices of orphans and vulnerable children who have been hidden in a culture of silence and secrecy.
As we witness the success of “Behind the Veil” and learn of the struggles of women of faith, we realize that the problems created by HIV/AIDS are complex. We must recognize that the solution will not be easy, and that it will require us to form many partnerships and alliances with diverse organizations.
Our support for this project seeks to break the wall of stigma that has helped AIDS spread through Kenya, especially among the poor and disadvantaged.”
US ENVOY WILLIAM BELLAMY SPEECH
THE US AMBASSEDOR
US ENVOY WILLIAM BELLAMY
At the National Muslim Council of Kenya, NMCK-NUR, “Breaking the silence, Behind the Veil” National Launch, ON BEHALF OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA GOVERNMENT, LAUNCHING AND ACCREDITING NAZLIN UMAR FAZALDIN RAJPUT AND HER HISTORICAL GROUNDBREAKING PROJECTS Launched by him and the Vice President of the Republic of Kenya His Excellency Hon Moody Awori, on the 25th day of April at the Panafric Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya.
“It is a real honor to be with you at the dedication of this important new project, on this great day we can celebrate the launch of the National Muslim Council of Kenya’s ‘Behind the Veil’ project. The project brings hope and power to women who for too long have lived behind the veil of stigma and social disparity. They have gained a voice to speak out and to be heard.
I want to express my sincere thanks and admiration for the strong women in the Muslim community who have come forward to address AIDS, the stigma surrounding AIDS and share the model of the ‘Behind the Veil’ as an example of what is best about our shared response. That is, to talk about how, together with our partners, faith-based organizations, and the rest of the donor community, we must act urgently to bring hope, help, and health to every Kenyan with HIV or AIDS.
In September 2004, at the tackling HIV/AIDS stigma workshop in Mombasa (held by the NMCK) Muslim women living with HIV/AIDS declared in public their HIV status, and their commitment to wage war on the disease and the stigma.
This was an unprecedented act, first for Muslim women in Kenya. These women are heroes, not just to Muslims, women and people with HIV AIDS. Their bravery and leadership, in standing up for what they knew to be right, despite of the likelihood of social condemnation, is a model for all of us.
This remarkable group of women includes some of the best-dedicated and passionate members of the Muslim faith (Nazlin Umar Fazaldin Rajput).
The “Behind the Veil” project is not mere optimism, but a hope that is transformable and leads to survival. “Behind the Veil” takes direct aim at the stigma and discrimination that has helped HIV/AIDS spread within the Muslim community. It has opened doors to discussion, and will create critical awareness among the male and female Muslim population.
Ninety percent of the people caring for HIV/AIDS affected and infected persons in Africa are faith-based women.
The National Muslim Council of Kenya is an important partner for the United States Government as we work to prevent new infections, provide treatment to those infected by HIV/AIDS and support and care for those, especially women and children, who have been affected by the epidemic. Projects like “Behind the Veil” effectively address the high levels of stigma that affect treatment access and adherence. This is an opportunity to hear the voices of orphans and vulnerable children who have been hidden in a culture of silence and secrecy.
As we witness the success of “Behind the Veil” and learn of the struggles of women of faith, we realize that the problems created by HIV/AIDS are complex. We must recognize that the solution will not be easy, and that it will require us to form many partnerships and alliances with diverse organizations.
Our support for this project seeks to break the wall of stigma that has helped AIDS spread through Kenya, especially among the poor and disadvantaged.”