26-year-old from Bethnal Green goes to Parliament to discuss her work on HIV and AIDs in Uganda ahead of international women’s day

A woman from Bethnal Green is being recognised for her work in international aid with a trip to Parliament.

Samantha Streibl, 26, travelled to Uganda to raise awareness among young people on teen pregnancy, HIV and AIDs.

To mark international women’s day on March 8, Samantha will travel to Parliament with four other women to meet Bethnal Green and Bow MP, Rushanara Ali, to discuss how their work has impacted women across the world.

Samantha said: “At times it got quite disheartening to see people holding on to misconceptions that could potentially end their lives early. But many Ugandan young people inspired and encouraged me.

“Although the issues that face people in Uganda, and in particular the youth, continue to pose huge challenges every day, people are fighting for change.”

Samantha travelled to Uganda under a government funded programme, in which 18-25-year-olds spend time on sustainable development projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

She beat more than 100 others who were nominated by their communities for the trip to Parliament, among them doctors, nurses and shop volunteers.