By Bunmi Yekini
In a move to amplify the voices of young people living with HIV, Charlize Theron, Academy Award-winning actress and UN Messenger of Peace, is handing over her global Instagram account to 21-year-old South African HIV activist Ibanomonde “Nomonde” Ngema on World AIDS Day, December 1.
Nomonde, who was born with HIV, has dedicated her life to advocating for awareness and fighting stigma. “I have always loved watching Charlize Theron on the big screen and have long been inspired by her using her influence to help people around the world, especially in our home country of South Africa. Charlize and CTAOP are true partners, and I will forever be grateful for their solidarity,” said Nomonde.
Theron, a longtime advocate for young people and gender equality, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative. “Ending AIDS is within reach – only if we completely dismantle harmful patterns of stigma and discrimination through laws, policies, and practices that protect people living with HIV.
That’s why this World AIDS Day, in partnership with UNAIDS and my organization – Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) – I’m handing over my Instagram to an incredible young activist, Nomonde Ngema, who will share her inspiring story,” she said.
Founded in 2007, CTAOP supports youth in Southern Africa by tackling systemic inequalities and promoting health, safety, and gender equity. Through partnerships with local organizations, the foundation has reached over 4.1 million young people with programs focused on sexual and reproductive health education, prevention of gender-based violence, and access to adolescent-friendly health services.
The UNAIDS report Take the rights path to end AIDS underscores the urgency of addressing human rights violations, which continue to exacerbate the vulnerability of women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2023, women and girls accounted for 62% of all new HIV infections in the region.
Theron and CTAOP are urging global leaders to prioritize human rights in the fight against AIDS.