Transcript Involvement of WLHA in the global plan

Eunice Sinyemu, ICW
February 2013, Zambia
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Why involve women living with HIV?
How?
◦ Delivering services
◦ Demand creation
◦ Advocating for an enabling environment
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Challenges
Opportunities
The Global Plan emphasises the involvement of
women living with HIV as a PRINCIPLE
 We are experts in our own lives and care
 We are part of communities
 Long history of advocacy and activism
 We understand communities and local factors
 We are already implementing diverse,
effective, engagement strategies
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Outreach workers
Mentor mothers
Treatment supporters
Carers in the home and in the community
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We advocate for quality services by:
◦ Sensitising our communities
◦ Raising issues in support groups and clinics
◦ Participating in national policy
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Promote stigma-free environments
Champion supportive workplace policies and
rights
Advocate for national laws and policies that
do not criminalise people living with HIV
Speak at community events, workshops and
meetings
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It is difficult to be visible about living with
HIV due to stigma and discrimination
For women with children this can be even
harder
Gender inequality
Gender based violence
Economic vulnerability
There is limited investment
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We can partner with FBOs
We have the lived experience
In decision-making bodies
Informing and implementing supportive
policies
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How are you engaging us in your work
If already engaging at what levels are you
involving WLH?
Is it through
Participation
Involvement
Inclusive
Access
All of the above
Thank you for listening