The concert saw participants ranging from six-years-old to the more mature 60-year-old models. Hundreds of locals thronged the venue, Gunde Township, to witness the event.
Thirty seven year-old Memory Ncube of Chenhunguru Village in Ward 11, who scooped the first princess award of Miss Positive Living in the women’s category, said it was now time that people knew their status. She said people should stop being afraid of what their societies would say if they are HIV positive.
“I tested HIV positive myself in 2008, but my community has accepted that fact. More should get tested and participate in events such as these,” said Ncube.
Organising secretary, Shingirirai Makoni, of the Vungu District Support Groups Association which hosted the event, pointed out that the aim of the function was to deal with stigmatisation.
“When the people who are HIV positive can strut their stuff in public like this, it reduces stigma in society,” she said.
National Association of Non Governmental Associations Regional Co-ordinator Vimbai Musengi weighed in saying other civic societies should rally behind the idea.
Post published in: News