Eunice Sinyemu, ICW February 2013, Zambia

 Why involve women living with HIV?  How? ◦ Delivering services ◦ Demand creation ◦ Advocating for an enabling environment  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

 Outreach workers  Mentor mothers  Treatment supporters  Carers in the home and in the community

 We advocate for quality services by: ◦ Sensitising our communities ◦ Raising issues in support groups and clinics ◦ Participating in national policy

 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

 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

 We can partner with FBOs  We have the lived experience  In decision-making bodies  Informing and implementing supportive policies

 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