AIDS Foundation East-West in Kazakhstan started an autumn school on October 5 for 25 HIV-positive women that demonstrated activism in the promotion of rights of women living with HIV in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. Earlier in August a group of four women visited Saint Petersburg on a study tour to learn about building relationships with state agencies and businesses.
The autumn school is a continuation of AFEW’s activities to develop national networks of women living with HIV in the two countries. Supported by “UN Women”, the five-day school will provide training on advocacy, fundraising and coaching skills.
Professional trainers from Kazakhstan, Russia and Tajikistan will help the participants develop their personal and professional capacity and master the modern methods of rights protection and promotion of interests of women living with HIV.
Roman Dudnik, director of AFEW-Kazakhstan, said the success of measures to combat HIV depends on the active involvement of people living with HIV at all levels – from provision of direct services to development and implementation of national programmes. “The ability to think strategically, attract financial resources, correctly express one’s needs and carry out educational work – these are the most important elements for successful women’s movement and we are aiming for that,” he said.
