The inspiring journey of Tintin, a women living with HIV

Tintin, now 53 years old, was once a young woman of great ambition, dedication, and intelligence. She founded two thriving businesses—a clothing store and kindergarten—earning more than her peers and financial security was never an issue in her family. Life appeared to be a smooth-sailing journey for her, and she expected it to stay that way. However, fate dealt her a cruel blow when she was diagnosed with HIV in her thirties, a diagnosis that would change her life forever. 

From that moment, Tintin felt like her whole world had turned upside down. The once cheerful, vibrant, and thoughtful person was now shattered, burdened with a deep feeling of sadness and helplessness. Everything became bleak and cold for her. Seeing his wife in such a devastated state, her husband became more and more anxious. They were a happy family just yesterday, but now it felt as though they were on the verge of breaking apart. To provide better care for her and their nine-year-old son, he left his job and devote fully to their family's well-being.

The family relied heavily on their dwindling savings and a minimal government allowance. Whenever Tintin’s health permitted, the husband would take on physically demanding temporary work for some income.

Later on, when Tintin regained her strength, she wanted to find a job to ease her husband's burden. However, her job hunts were plagued by HIV-based discrimination and gender bias. Eventually, she managed to obtain a position, but only by concealing her HIV status. She was cautious around her colleagues, constantly worried someone would find out her status. When she tested the waters by discussing HIV with her supervisor, she encountered a lack of acceptance, which exacerbated her anxiety and caused insomnia and significant mental stress, ultimately prompting her to resign from the company.

Now, in their fifties, while her husband's strength has waned, Tintin's concerns about the future intensified. As an active member of the local PLHIV community, Tintin learned about a training program on digital skills and on-line entrepreneurship organized by Women’s Network Against AIDS- China (WNAC) with the support from the ILO, aiming to empower PLHIV in need with skills and knowledge necessary to launch and sustain a successful online business. This opportunity resonated deeply with Tintin's aspirations, and she eagerly enrolled in the course.

Tintin's participation in the training program marked a turning point in her life journey. She found herself immersed in a community of like-minded PLHIV, all equally passionate and eager to learn. Their shared drive and ambition were infectious, igniting a spark within Tintin.

During the workshop, Tintin acquired new skills in digital marketing, live streaming sales, and product photography, all of which were highly relevant in today's digital world. The possibilities these skills presented thrilled her. She felt as if her younger self had returned. The unfulfilled entrepreneurial aspirations that once laid dormant within her were rekindled.

Tintin embarked on her online business journey through Douyin, a popular Chinese social media platform. Realizing that only by gaining a certain number of followers could she sell products, she utilized her daily life to create videos. She invested countless hours analyzing popular videos, scrutinizing their storylines, shooting angles, and other elements to enhance her own content and captivate her audience. Her efforts paid off, with her followers growing from an initial count of less than 100 to now surpassing 1,300. This achievement qualified her to participate in Douyin's e-commerce programs, enabling her to earn commissions through product promotions, thereby contributing to her household income.

Tintin is not solely focused on her own business but also actively supports her son, who works as a real estate agent. Recognizing the labor-intensive and financially constrained nature of his job, Tintin leverages her newly acquired digital skills to assist him in creating captivating videos that showcase properties, thereby attracting potential clients. 

As life becomes busier and more fulfilling, Tintin feels a renewed sense of vitality and empowerment. Her business fosters pride and reinforces her faith in her capabilities, bringing her immense satisfaction. She aspires to motivate fellow PLHIV by sharing her experience, inspiring them to pursue financial independence.

The ILO's digital skills and online entrepreneurship training program has emerged as a pivotal force for transformation among PLHIVs like Tintin, providing them with economic empowerment and breaking down barriers of discrimination. This, in turn, clears the path for them to lead more fulfilling and empowering lives.