I was slapped for stating that a client had died of Aids

Mary Makokha CEO Rural Education and Economic Enhancement Program

1. Education Degree in counselling and psychology (University of Nairobi)/diploma in journalism. 2. Experience I am an experienced social worker who spends most of my time serving people living with HIV and children orphaned by the disease. 3. Award/ Recognition Leadership award from the Fire Light Foundation for exemplary running of the REEP; UN Person of the Year, 2008. 4. First job/First Salary Newspaper contributor from 1985-1990. I was paid per article submitted. 5. Worst Job/Best Job Never had a worst job they were all enjoyable. 6. First Neighbourhood/ Current ‘Hood Githurai, where I paid Sh 1,500 rent and was using a common pit latrine toilet. Currently I own a home in Busia. 7. Worst Mistake Pursuing a case in which a teen claimed to have been defiled. Arrests were made and the suspect remanded, only to find out it was a fabrication. 8. Missed Opportunity I missed studying law in India because I got married. 9. One Thing You Can Never Give Away My dedication of service to people living with HIV and preaching against stigmatisation. 10. Most Embarrassing Moment In 1998, I attended a funeral of one of our clients who had succumbed to HIV. The family roughed us up and I was slapped in the face for stating that the deceased had died of HIV. They insisted that his death was due to witchcraft. 11. One Regret Getting into an abusive marriage that never lasted. I walked out hurt with ulcers and depression. I have since recovered. 12. Unforgettable Person My brother, Simon Makokha, who took care of me when our mum passed on when I was only three. He was in his teenage, but ensured I am who I am today. 13. Preferred Epitaph What a man can do, a woman can do better- let no woman step down in fear. Women have power.