I’m Tuwilika Elias, an advocate for change with a mission to combat HIV and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through education and policy advocacy. I’m a Fulbright and YALI Alumni, a Deaton Scholar, and currently a Cookingham-Noll Fellow. My personal journey has shaped my commitment to these crucial causes.

My Story

My experiences with rape and HIV have given me a unique perspective on the world. These challenges have shown me both the harsh realities we face and the incredible potential for positive change. They have ignited a fire within me to address these issues at their core.

My Mission

I am dedicated to using education as a powerful tool to challenge gender inequality and break the cycle of poverty and inequality, which are some of the root causes of HIV and GBV. My ultimate goal is to support, empower, and educate young people from impoverished backgrounds and high-prevalence communities.

What Drives Me

As a public policy graduate, I’m committed to influencing structural and policy changes in the fields of women’s empowerment, international development, and policy-making. I believe that by addressing these issues at their source, we can build better communities and contribute to achieving sustainable development goals.