StyleISSUE

August 3 to 9 2014 THE STANDARD STYLE / WOMAN / PROFILE 3
Star Profile:
Rachel Hilda Nolan
Prudence Muganiwah
Born in Masvingo and raised in Harare,
Rachel Hilda Nolan is a 37 year old inspirational
woman who has dedicated
herself to changing the face
of society in her own way.
“My passion is educating
women on HIV
and Aids, explaining
the difference
between the two
and how one can
live positively
and healthily
for a long time.
I aim to encourage
women to
learn to accept
their status and
educate themselves
as well as family
and friends to avoid
the stigma attached
to it.”
A counselor
and a people’s person
by nature who always
has room for
one more
person,
Rachel enjoys meeting women from all
walks of life in terms of creed, race, age,
economic status and social classes and still
being able to make a difference in each of
their lives. “It makes me happy knowing
I have helped someone in one way or the
other.”
The biggest challenge she says she has
faced in her life was when she tested positive.
“I faced lots of stigma, and was rejected
by close friends whom I thought would
stand by me unconditionally. It took its toll
on me and at one point I even attempted suicide
as I simply saw no light at the end of
the tunnel.
Rachel is part of a group in Zimbabwe
called Because We Care. We have workshops
where those of us living positively
share our stories in the hope of educating
our communities. “I am also part of a
group here in South Africa called Positive
Heroes. I am one of the Administrators for
Dandaro Remadzimai Anhasi, a fast growing
Facebook group wherein thousands of
women strive to stand together to make a
difference in each other’s lives by sharing
advice, life experiences and general tips
on how to handle different situations. I am
also a Trustee for Jenny Msonza Foundation
where we work with and help Zimbabwean
women all over the world in various
ways.
With her activism and positive attitude
to life, Rachel hopes to change people, especially
Zimbabweans’ attitudes and mindsets
towards HIV. “I look forward to the
day when there will be no stigma or
rejection attached to HIV. Those that
test positive will accept and not live
in denial. A lot of Zimbabweans
are either too scared to get tested
or too scared to share their status
with close people for fear of
rejection, and this is understandable
if the rejection
I faced personally is anything
to go by.”
A Christian who
has high
r e -
gard for integrity, compassion, forgiveness,
and kindness, she regards God as most
important in her life. The ever smiling, impeccable
woman believes without him she
wouldn’t be here today.
Most of Rachel’s day is spent counseling
people that are depressed or suicidal, either
in person, over the phone or via text.
“I try to balance out my day by doing my
work, reaching out to whoever is in need of
my help, cooking, spending time with my
husband, and responding to more messages
and calls. Quite hectic but I manage. That
small difference I make is what counts.”
Rachel, who likes braaing and lunching
with her friends, is thankful for the support
her family has always given her, in the
form of her mother, two sisters, and her
16 year old son whom she says “means the
world to me.” She appreciates the togetherness
about family life that displays itself
through all the laughter, tears, and standing
by each other through thick and thin.
“Blood is thicker than water. I lost a lot
of people I thought were my friends after
I told them about my status but my family
never rejected me. They have stood by my
side, have never thrown it in my face and
are always pushing me to keep fighting.”
She talks passionately of her biggest
achievement being a full time motivational
speaker where I get to travel all over Africa
just to talk to people and making my own
contribution to the change we need in society.
Her biggest inspiration comes in the
form of her mother, whom she says raised
her and her siblings single handedly. “We
never went hungry or lacked anything. She
knows how to handle tough situations in
life. Even though we fight sometimes I love
her dearly and will always remember what
she taught me growing up.”
Joyce Meyer is also a role model to Rachel,
as she finds her an amazing woman
who despite going through so much as a
child, remained a strong God fearing woman
who didn’t allow her past to hinder her
future.
In terms of advice for young people,
which she has lots of, Rachel had this to
say; “I would love to say abstain and save
yourself till marriage but I know that is not
happening. This is the reality. So I will rather
say, practice safe sex if you have to, stick
to one partner and always put the Lord first
before you make any decisions – He should
be your guide.
Quick little facts on Rachel:
• I love biltong, and everything baby pink
• I am terrified of live chickens
• I am a hopeless romantic
• I never leave home without makeup on
• I only tie my hair back when I have
braids
• I love West African food
In the words of Mother Theresa, “Not
all of us can do great things. But we can do
small things with great love.” Sometimes
the smallest things that often go unnoticed
make the biggest impact.
And this is exactly what Rachel is on about.