“Life’s a test, mistakes are lessons, but the gift of life is knowing that you have made a difference.”

The Red Ribbon Project is an initiative by the Human Rights Unit of the Strathmore Law Clinic (SLC) to address the challenges faced by people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in seeking legal redress. Being a relatively new project, as it was just founded in December 2025, some of its clinicians were asked to elaborate on why they chose to join this project. Here’s what they had to say:

Ashley Ndinda, 1st year

In my view, this project addresses the justice gap for Kenyans living with HIV and AIDS who face financial hardship and complex legal procedures. Through supervised legal representation, the project ensures that disadvantaged individuals can successfully navigate the HIV and AIDS Tribunal. I was driven to join this project by the desire to make a positive impact on access to justice and to gain real- world experience in law beyond the texts. For me, this project is not only about enforcing legal rights but also about learning through practical experience to grow into a lawyer who serves marginalized communities with integrity and compassion. As Tupac Shakur once reflected, “Life’s a test, mistakes are lessons, but the gift of life is knowing that you have made a difference.” This project is my deliberate step toward making that difference.

Doris Juma, 2nd year

From my understanding of the project’s aims and objectives, Red Ribbon is interested in ensuring equality for those suffering from HIV and Aids, making sure that they do not face any form of marginalization, discrimination, or stigma because of their condition. I was driven to join this project because I am super being on flattening society, that is, making sure there aren’t systemic oppressive barriers in place that may hinder vulnerable groups and individuals from achieving their full potential. 

Michael Olach, 1st year

For me, I see the plight of PLHIV firstly in the social sphere of life. It is appalling to me that such persons are singled out and stigmatized by dint of their health status. This in itself is unconstitutional, but it seems that such treatment is ingrained in our thinking so much so that we do it almost unconsciously. To me, being part of this initiative means striving to shift public opinion and growing awareness, both legal and social, about this group, their challenges and needs,  ensuring that their dignity is preserved.

Written by: Ashley Ndinda, Doris Juma, and Michael Olach