The Challenges:
In Malawi, women are disproportionately affected by HIV and AIDS in comparison to men. 10.6% of the population aged 15-49 are HIV positive with a prevalence of 12.9% among women compared to 8.1% for men (Malawi Demographic and Health Survey, 2011). Though HIV prevalence is lower among Malawi’s rural populations at 8.9%, HIV and AIDS remains a major public health issue in rural regions given that 85% Malawians reside in the countryside (MDHS, 2011). Furthermore, 10.5% of rural women and 7.1% of rural men are living with HIV and AIDS (MDHS, 2011).
The relationship between the high prevalence of HIV infections among women to the hierarchical relations of power between women and men has been repeatedly demonstrated in the literature (Gupta, 2000; Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, 2001; Human Rights Watch, 2003; Kistner, 2003; Kathewera-Banda, 2006). Such power disparities largely inhibit a woman’s ability to access productive economic and social resources. This, in turn, limits the extent to which a woman is able to negotiate for safer sex, engage in birth control methods, protect herself from unwanted sexual acts, leave abusive relationships, discuss issues of fertility with intimate partners and access SRH services and support. Ultimately, a woman’s subordinate position in society facilitates the perpetuation of SRHR violations and high HIV infection rates (Gupta, 2000; Kathewera-Banda et al., 2006, Mwanza, 2012). WLHIV are
especially vulnerable as discrimination resulting from their HIV status compounds with preexisting forms of discrimination associated with gender, class and ethnicity (Mgbako et al., 2007).
The relationship between the high prevalence of HIV infections among women to the hierarchical relations of power between women and men has been repeatedly demonstrated in the literature (Gupta, 2000; Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, 2001; Human Rights Watch, 2003; Kistner, 2003; Kathewera-Banda, 2006). Such power disparities largely inhibit a woman’s ability to access productive economic and social resources. This, in turn, limits the extent to which a woman is able to negotiate for safer sex, engage in birth control methods, protect herself from unwanted sexual acts, leave abusive relationships, discuss issues of fertility with intimate partners and access SRH services and support. Ultimately, a woman’s subordinate position in society facilitates the perpetuation of SRHR violations and high HIV infection rates (Gupta, 2000; Kathewera-Banda et al., 2006, Mwanza, 2012). WLHIV are
especially vulnerable as discrimination resulting from their HIV status compounds with preexisting forms of discrimination associated with gender, class and ethnicity (Mgbako et al., 2007).
Our Opportunities:
As a women's organization, protecting the rights of women and girls has always been at the forefront of WOFAD's work. WOFAD has in the past been actively involved in advocating for women living with HIV (WLHIV) and AIDS as well as sharing information about prevention, transmission, and treatment options. Some past activities which WOFAD has been a part of include the annual Candle Lights event, organizing frequent HIV testing days, and disseminating information to our community. WLHIV are, in addition, especially vulnerable to gender-based violence (GBV). WOFAD prides itself as an advocacy organization, fighting to end all forms of violence against women and girls, physical, sexual, emotional, and economical. The projects below offer an insight into some of the past as well as current projects and activities WOFAD has implemented.
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WOFAD Projects and Programs:
We Have Rights Too!
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WOFAD implemented We Have Rights Too! in three Traditional Authorities (T/As) in Blantyre. The aim of the project was to promote and protect the sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) of women and girls living with HIV and AIDS. Project activities included recruiting and training
community volunteers as peer educators in SRHR policies, HIV and AIDS
prevention, gender-based violence, and information on where to seek redress in
cases of violation. A strategy called “stepping stone” was used to engage HIV-positive
couples, train them on HIV and AIDS issues and encourage them to act as role
models within their communities. WOFAD trained several health care workers,
members of the police, religious, traditional and community leaders, and Community-based
organizations on SRHR. In total, WOFAD has trained more than 2,500 women on
SRHR. Overall, harmful traditional practices have decreased, and networking with
social welfare, police, health care workers, and communities improved.
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Advocating for Better ARVs
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Through the fighting
for change of ARV drugs initiative, WOFAD sensitized 20 women living with
HIV and AIDS from 5 different districts in the Southern Region. The project
exclusively targeted women on ARV treatment. Many women expressed discomfort
while some suffered deformations of their bodies which are side effects of an
element called stavudine found in the ARVs T30 and T40. The women served as
case studies took part in advocating for change of ARVs administered to people
on ART.
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Community Action to Combat HIV and AIDS-CATCH
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WOFAD implemented the CATCH project in 2011 with funding from the National Aids Commission (NAC). As part of the project WOFAD worked closely with the Blantyre DHO to deliver HTC services to the community. The activities were conducted during open days at WOFAD where in addition to conducting HIV Testing and Counseling, the community was sensitized about issues associated with HIV/AIDS, prevention methods, the importance of regular testing, as well as treatment options. Those who tested positive were
referred to health facilities for further treatment and support
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Annual HIV Testing and Counseling
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WOFAD is a regular participant of HTC week in Malawi.
This year, after receiving a generous donation from Galaxy Pharmaceuticals in the form of 200 HIV test kits, WOFAD offered one week of free and confidential HIV testing and counseling. As
an ongoing activity, WOFAD disseminates information, communication, and
educational materials. The office is stocked with supplies of free female and
male condoms as well as brochures on HTC-related issues in the local language.
In 2009, WOFAD received a mobile HTC from well-wishers Cross Life Church. The unit was stocked with the necessary medical equipment and professional counselors were deployed into three different rural areas to conduct HIV testing and counseling in collaboration with District Health Office (DHO) of Blantyre. Those found positive were referred to health facilities nearest them to receive further care and treatment. |