Who is Prudence Mabele?

A woman with curly hair and glasses speaking at a podium during a conference, with a large screen behind her displaying the words "Access for All. Ending HIV Stigma, Discrimination, and Inequality," and a badge that reads "AIDS 2016."

Prudence Nobantu Mabele (21 July 1971-17 July 2017) was a South African HIV and gender activist who was one of the first women to share her HIV diagnosis publicly.

Prudence was diagnosed in the early 1990s in her early 20s when antiretroviral therapy (ART) wasn’t widely accessible. She advocated for equal access to treatment for everyone living with HIV and to end HIV stigma in South Africa, and is recognised globally for her successful campaigning and advocacy across HIV and gender-based rights. Prudence set a precedent to encourage other women living with HIV to discuss their status with loved ones, to live without shame, to seek treatment, and to lead happy and fulfilled lives. She worked tirelessly to empower them, advocating for women’s rights and well-being. Prudence also worked with an organisation called the Treatment Action Campaign which contributed to the creation of the world’s largest country-wide HIV treatment programme.

Prudence and four other female activists in South Africa created the Positive Women’s Network, which continues to provide support, resources, and a community for women living with HIV today.

We commemorate Prudence’s life and lasting legacy by marking the day of action on 21 July, her birthday.