This year, UNOPS ARHC would like to feature a female volunteer who transformed her past into an empowering force for change to dedicate her life to serving her community as a peer educator in HIV services.

The journey of Mya Mya (name has been changed) is full of courage, hope, and determination. Previously working as a sex worker, she faced numerous challenges and social stigma, including uncertainty about where to find health services, fear of judgment, and isolation from her family. Instead of letting her past define her, she chose to rise above it. Today, she is a volunteer peer educator with one of the implementing partners of UNOPS ARHC, providing essential HIV services, health education, and support to her peers—many of whom walk the same path she once did.

Peer educators play a critical role in community health programs, particularly in reaching marginalized groups with life-saving information and services. They bridge the gap between healthcare providers and key populations at risk of HIV, fostering trust and ensuring that those in need can access services without fear of stigma or discrimination. By sharing their lived experiences, peer educators provide not only knowledge but also emotional support, guiding their peers toward healthier and more empowered lives.

“I know what it feels like to be afraid, to feel like you have no one to turn to," Mya Mya said. "That's why I do this work. I want my peers to know that they are not alone. There is hope, and there is help."

Mya Mya has spent over nine years working in the field, and in the community of Yangon Region, she has earned the title of a trusted support pillar. Her past equips her to make connections that go through very personal, impactful channels in the lives of others. She understands their fears, challenges, and dreams. Through her work, she ensures that they have access to health services while empowering them to reclaim their future.

One of the most memorable moments in her journey was when she helped a peer who had been diagnosed with HIV. The woman was deeply depressed, feeling hopeless about her future. Mya Mya not only guided her toward treatment but also provided ongoing emotional support, ensuring she adhered to her medication and regained her confidence. Over time, this peer's transformation was remarkable—not only did she regain her health, but she also found a renewed purpose. Inspired by Mya Mya, she became a peer educator herself and now helps others in the same way she was once helped. Seeing this transformation fills Mya Mya with pride.

Every day, Mya Mya reaches out to peers in her community, offering HIV testing, counseling, and education on prevention and treatment. She starts her mornings by visiting Key Population Service Centers (KPSCs) where she provides HIV education sessions, ensuring that her clients have the information they need to protect their health. She then conducts outreach activities, distributing condoms and providing health education in areas where sex workers gather, to raise awareness about essential prevention and treatment services.

"The best part of my work is seeing my peers take charge of their health," she said. "When I see someone go from feeling lost to feeling strong, I know that I am truly making a difference and I am proud of myself," she added. 

The story of Mya Mya is a testimony to the transformative power of women supporting women. In celebrating International Women's Day, we honor Mya Mya and many other women who, through such selfless dedication and strength, are creating a better world for themselves and their communities. 

This year's theme, 'Accelerate Action,' reminds us how entire communities benefit when women like Mya Mya are empowered with opportunities to lead. UNOPS ARHC recognizes and celebrates the efforts of many female volunteers like Mya Mya, who strive to ensure that their local communities have access to necessary healthcare services. We congratulate them on their contributions.