Marvelous Muchenje, a resilient Black woman living with HIV, has dedicated her life to advocating for women affected by the virus. Born in Zimbabwe, Marvelous was diagnosed with HIV in 1995 while pregnant. She faced limited access to ARV treatment in her home country. Because of this, she tragically lost her child to bronchial pneumonia shortly after giving birth. This devastating loss inspired Marvelous to become a voice for vulnerable women in her community.
Marvelous left behind a successful career in the private sector in 2000. She made a life-changing decision to join the Zimbabwe National Network for People Living with HIV as the National Finance Secretary. Her commitment to making a difference led her to later serve as the Finance Director at the centre. This is an organization run by and for people living with HIV in Zimbabwe.
In 2006, Marvelous migrated to Canada. She continued her work in the HIV sector, taking on various administrative roles in non-profit organizations. Marvelous found her calling at Women’s Health In Women’s Hands, a community healthcare centre in Toronto. Here, she provided invaluable support to racialized women living with HIV. Her dedication to her clients went above and beyond; she admirably blurred the lines between professional duties and personal connections.
A firm believer in the power of storytelling, Marvelous is also a writer and motivational speaker. Drawing from her own experiences as a survivor of domestic violence, she empowers women to find strength in themselves.
Along with her professional roles, Marvelous sits on several regional and national boards. She uses her platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities. Pursuing her Ph.D. in social work at the University of Toronto, Marvelous continues to strive for justice and empowerment for all. With her unwavering commitment to advocacy and her contagious sense of humor, Marvelous Muchenje is truly a marvel in her own right.
“I have never met a person whose name more perfectly describes them. Marvelous is truly an amazing person. I have known her for many years. She has such an incredible spirit, energy, and is full of positivity and zest for life,” says Dr. Mark Yudin, an obstetrician gynecologist at St. Michael’s Hospital Toronto.
“I’ve worked with Marvelous in many different capacities. She is a tireless advocate for people living with HIV, particularly for women. When she worked at Women’s Health in Women’s Hands, I had the opportunity to send many people to her for support. In our program, we see a lot of women who are new to Canada. They have very little social support or resources. Marvelous always had a way of making them feel safe, seen and heard, and at home,” he says.
“Her curiosity and academic interests have also inspired me. She is currently pursuing a fascinating PhD topic, and I think the results will help women living with HIV both in Canada and in Africa.” Marvelous has also taken her advocacy outside community organizations, he explains. “I had the opportunity to sit with Marvelous on a panel at the Toronto South African Film Festival a few years ago. My close friend ran the festival, and was screening a film about HIV/AIDS activists living in South Africa. She asked if I would sit on a panel discussion after the film because of my work in the HIV sector. She also asked if I knew of any person living with HIV who might be willing to join us on the panel to give their perspectives. The very first person I thought of was Marvelous. When I asked if she would be willing to do it, she replied with such enthusiasm and joined me. I believe this panel discussion would not have been the same without her.”
Muluba Habanyama is a younger HIV activist in Toronto. She says Marvelous’ support has been life-changing. “Being a young girl living with HIV, when I first disclosed publicly, I was directed to the one and only Marvelous. Life will never be the same, for the betterment of all of us. She’s my mentor, my big sis, my confidante, my role model,” she says. “Never take her for granted, because we in Canada are so lucky to have thee Marvelous.”
With her unwavering commitment to advocacy and her contagious sense of humor, Marvelous Muchenje is truly a marvel in her own right.