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STATISTICS:
Globally, women parliamentary representatives increased from 13 to 15.6% between 1999-2004, and are increasingly involved in foreign affairs, finance, and defense.
Rwanda has the highest proportion of women parliamentarians in the world with the National Assembly comprised of 48.8% women.
Positive Women
Prudence Mabele
South AfricaGALLERYCONVERSATION
I am Prudence Nobantu Mabele. My given name, Nobantu, means “mother of people”; No means “mother,” and bantu means “people.”

I have been HIV-positive for fourteen years, and I am one of the fortunate people living with HIV today because every day I have a nutritious meal, shelter, clean water, and sanitation. I work out at the gym, take vitamins, practice safer sex, and get lots of support from friends and family. Because of my positive attitude, I have learned a lot about this disease.

I am the founder and executive director of the Positive Women’s Network. I enjoy working with women who are HIV-positive; I help them to accept their status and then encourage them to do many good things with their lives — because they will not die now. Life can be good in spite of this sickness. When you have a job or are doing something, you will always be happy, as you can be self-reliant and take good care of yourself. At the Positive Women’s Network we teach women to create artwork; they do bead work and make earrings and many other things so that they can earn a salary, which will help them raise their children and give them a brighter future. We also encourage people to go back to school, and we help them with subjects that are useful and will make them marketable in their future careers.

What I like about our time in history is that there are opportunities. We can go to universities and schools, and at the same time we can preserve our cultural and spiritual heritage. I want to thank the people who fought for our rights in South Africa. Now we have opportunities like jobs and schools that are free for all. People of our nation today, both black and white, are treated as equals, and we have good race relations. There are problems, but they can be solved, and I believe they will be solved.

What defines my generation are the young women of diverse backgrounds who have a bit of everything — like culture, religion, an outgoing attitude, education, and spirituality. I define myself as one of these women, and HIV/AIDS will not stop me from achieving my goals and inspiring others to reach theirs.
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LadyLeo (United States)
I am very happy that you have been able to live a full life in spite of your illness. Not everyone has the ability to continue on as you have. There has been a talk of a cure near your country. Do you know whether or not this cure is real and are you interested in obtaining this cure? If you have any information regarding this please contact me.
Michelle Stolle (United States)
Wow. Your story is so inspirational. I am amazed on how you are able to remain positive and find many joys throughout your life. You don't let being HIV positive interfere with living your life and enjoying your life. You also encourage other women who are HIV positive to find ways to remain optimistic. You are very strong and very inspiring.
Melissa (United States)
Prudence has shown how you can take a negative impact in your life and turn it into something positive, not only for her but others as well. I think she is a great role model for people on how not to give up on life, no matter what you are facing. Hopefully she will continue to have a positive impact on others lives.
teresa (United States)
Wow. it so so great that Prudence Nobantu Mabele has discovered they joys in life, and that she does not let her disease ruin life for her. She helps other women to live happy lives, even though they are HIV-Positive. I think it is incredible that this woman cares so much about others to direct the Positive Women's Network. She is very inspiring, and that makes for a great person.
Rebecca Sigler (United States)
Your story is truely an inspiration. It is incrediable how the personal can have such a global effect. Not only does your story reflect what one can do in the face of adversity; but it also holds a worldwide messeage of empowerment for women. Through educating others you break down the walls of discrimination and prejiduce. You show what it means to truely be alive.
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