Tuwilika Elias is a rising public policy analyst and an HIV & Gender-Based Violence Advocate. She is a Fulbright 2021/2023 and YALI 2022 alumnus, a Deaton Scholar 2022, and an Analyst-Cookingham-Noll Fellow (2023-2024) in Kansas City, Missouri. Tuwilika holds an honours degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Namibia and a Master’s in Public Affairs, with an emphasis on public policy from the University of Missouri, Columbia, USA.

My experiences with rape and HIV have given me a unique perspective on the world. These challenges have shown me both the harsh realities we face and the incredible potential for positive change. Additionally, the slow pace of the response and a lack of implementation of the right programs and policies is what keeps me awake at night.

I aspire to influence structural and policy changes. I am building my professional career in women’s empowerment, policy-making, and international development. I look forward to contributing to the fight against inequality and poverty while helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063.