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Programmes

The YWCA has developed a solid base of programmes that respond to the pandemic at multiple levels, particularly in the regions most affected. YWCAs are delivering reproductive health and HIV education to women and girls in over 70 countries, including all associations in Africa. A number of education tools have been developed to mobilise women's leadership at the community level and to address HIV related stigma and discrimination.

A selection of YWCA programmes on HIV and AIDS and sexual and reproductive health rights:

>> Albania
>> Argentina
>> Namibia
>> Papua New Guinea
>> Sierra Leone
>> Tanzania

Albania

The YWCA of Albania's HIV and AIDS prevention program was developed to respond to the lack of health education in their country, especially in regard to HIV and AIDS. The programme, which was based on a needs assessment, includes training by medical professionals and local government representatives, and focuses on the symptoms and management of sexually transmitted infections, with a special focus on HIV.

Women, men, and young people receive training separately, and four or five persons from each course are selected as peer educators who, together with the trained medical staff, continue training new participants.

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Argentina

The YWCA of La Banda concentrates its work in the Sgo. Del Estereo region where there is a high percentage of adolescent pregnancies due to lack of information and knowledge of reproductive health. This project targets at risk community groups including 14-17 year olds and students in shanty towns, aiming to discuss: adolescent pregnancy, STDs, HIV and AIDS, violence against women, and women's human rights. Activities include: round table discussions, school exchanges, excursions related to reproductive health issues, distribution of educational flyers, home visits, video shows, and joint work with hospitals including Maternity services.

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Namibia

In the urban areas of Namibia, 20% of the population has HIV/AIDS and half of those infected are between the ages of 15-24 years. The YWCA of Namibia developed a peer counselling programme in 1999, in response to the alarmingly high incidence of HIV/AIDS in their country. The programme trains community facilitators to give young people advice, information and support in dealing with issues such as HIV/AIDS. The facilitators are also young people, who are often unemployed or in part time work, and develop their leadership skills and sense of self worth through the project. The peer counselling method has proved effective in empowering young people to make informed decisions about issues that affect their lives and dispel myths and misinformation among their peers.

Since 1999, the 20 young people who were initially trained, have gone on to train and share information with another 150 young people from eight schools who now act as peer counsellors in their areas. Through the YWCA, these community facilitators are growing in number and reaching out to more young people to increase awareness of HIV andAIDS, and to provide counselling and support for people already infected.

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Papua New Guinea

Two hundred women have left the sex trade as a result of the YWCA HIV and AIDS prevention programme in Papua New Guinea. The YWCA initiated the programme in 1998 after research indicated that 85% of sex workers - a high risk group for HIV infection - were illiterate and had no formal job skills. The programme operates in Port Moresby, enabling women to have increased employment options through literacy and income generating skills training. It also offers HIV and AIDS counselling and testing to reduce their risk of infection and spreading the virus.

Over 400 sex workers aged between 12-49 have joined in the programme since its inception.

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Sierra Leone

The YWCA of Sierra Leone has developed a multi-faceted approach to stop the spread of HIV and AIDS in the country. They have also adopted a peer counselling method, where youth and community leaders attend a HIV and AIDS awareness programme, which explains how sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are spread, what are high-risk sexual habits, and how to use condoms. Following the programme, participants serve as field officers to spread this information among other young people in their communities.

The YWCA also co-ordinates awareness raising campaigns on HIV and AIDS around the country, and has set up a clinic to screen and treat STDs, and refer people to hospital if necessary. They also offer counselling services to young people on sexuality, health and reproductive issues. Through the YWCA, young people are being encouraged to explore these issues through more contemporary methods of expressions, such as poems and plays, which serve to promote more open discussion on the issues.

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Tanzania

Many women in Tanzania lack the emotional and social support, confidence and skills to negotiate safe sex. The YWCA has established a health education programme in an urban district which is highly affected by HIV and AIDS. This programme has included the development of awareness raising materials, along with training, peer education, and collaboration with other organisations working in the area. Facilitators are trained to challenge current thinking and social norms that have a negative impact on women.

To date, 25 facilitators have been trained in HIV and AIDS, family life education and sexual health. These facilitators are showing leadership in their local communities in responding to HIV and AIDS, by providing support, information and counselling. The young women's committee of the YWCA of Tanzania initiated the programme.

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More selection of YWCA programmes on health and HIV and AIDS (PDF files)

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