Winnie Byanyima

Winnie Byanyima (she/her) is a Ugandan politician, activist, and the Executive Director of UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. She graduated from the University of Manchester with a degree in aeronautical engineering.

Byanyima began her career as an aeronautical engineer, working for Uganda Airlines before transitioning into politics in the 1990s. She served as a Member of Parliament in Uganda for more than 10 years and later worked for the African Union as the Director of Gender and Development. She has been an outspoken advocate for women’s rights, social justice, and the eradication of poverty.

Byanyima was appointed as the Executive Director of UNAIDS in 2019, where she oversees the global response to HIV/AIDS, with a focus on reducing the spread of the virus, increasing access to treatment and care, and promoting human rights and gender equality. She has been a vocal advocate for the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as for marginalized and vulnerable communities.

In addition to her work with UNAIDS, Byanyima has served on several global boards and committees, including the World Economic Forum, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, and the African Women’s Development Fund. She has also been recognized for her advocacy and leadership with numerous awards and honors, including the 2018 Global Women’s Leadership Award.

Byanyima continues to be a prominent voice in the global conversation on HIV/AIDS, gender equality, and social justice. Her leadership at UNAIDS has had a significant impact on the lives of millions of people affected by HIV/AIDS around the world.