When stuck in a hard place, we can only hope someone will be there to help pull us out. Halima Namakula (pictured above) is that 'someone' to so many women in the commercial sex industry in Kampala, Kasese and Hoima.

It all began when Namakula decided she wanted to protect the children living on the streets. She started by raising awareness through singing inspirational songs about suffering children and HIV/AIDS. Since then, ‘Women at Work International’ was birthed and is currently working to educate women in prostitution about protected sex and providing voluntary counseling/testing. In Kampala, more than 700 commercial sex workers are benefiting from the project.

While Namakula comes against challenges in her work, she presses on to help these women and their families. Many of the women do not open up easily to counseling, a lot of their children are not schooled, and many are living with HIV. It is Namakula’s vision to expand in order to meet these needs, by opening new schools and health clinics.

Namakula’s dream is to always be remembered as a person who helped women and children. It is very likely her legacy will live on through the stories of each woman who has been personally impacted by her passion to help. In fact, Sylvia Sebyala, a 22-year-old former prostitute, was approached by Namakula and advised how to use condoms and prevent contracting HIV/AIDS. Sylvia’s experience with life on the streets was unbearable, as some clients would not pay the agreed fee or even go as far as beating her up. Because of her naivety she did not use protection and resulted in multiple pregnancies. Furthermore, she had multiple abortions.

Sylvia’s eyes were opened to how she was risking her life as Namakula helped her see the dangers of prostitution. Sylvia completely abandoned prostitution and received training in making beads, candles, and envelopes. She now takes care of her 5-year-old son and pays rent through this income. In fact, her son is a complete miracle as she had attempted to abort him. Namakula promised her that she would take care of him and explained the dangers of abortion.

Sylvia’s life is forever changed, and her son’s life is in existence thanks to Namakula’s heart to help the women and children in her community. Namakula was highlighted in Uganda’s leading news website, “The New Vision” as a Woman Achiever of 2009.