English: Cyber dialogue summary for 1 December 2011, Making care work count


Date: December 2, 2011
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16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM ON GENDER VIOLENCE

Date: 1 December 2011

Theme: Making care work count

Facilitator: Kubi Rama (GL Chief of Operations) and Shuvai Nyoni (Governance and Justice Manager)

M

F

Unknown

TOTAL

8

38

12

58

We have to know who we are and our status so we can conquer it.” À“ South Africa

“We have to keep the courage and be involved so that those affected and infected with HIV and AIDS do not die lonely.” – Kenya

“I say if you are a young woman find your dream make it your destination then you will find joy in the journey.” À“ South Africa

“Married people are the worst because we have no choice we cannot even negotiate condom use because of tradition.” – Namibia

” If I have to change the world I will stop HIV/AIDS.” – Zambia

Question 1: Who cares for the people caring for those with HIV/AIDS?

  • Honestly,no one!
  • Caretakers, caregivers and the families.
  • Care givers are often overlooked.
  • As caregivers they are gifted people and really God cares for them.
  • No one cares for those who are willing to help so they become affected emotionally. This means that those who take care of the sick need to be reminded to get help themselves.
  • Women and girls.

Question 2: What are the services for youth who care for PLWHA?

  • In Zambia there are many NGO’s and CBO’s that exist and are making efforts to provide care. They are not operating at 100% but they do try.
  • In Namibia there is a policy in place to assist care givers to the infected. The policy is intended to support care givers and meet their various needs.
  • The government should pay attention to youths who are caregivers.
  • There is a need to have campaigns about recognising people in communities and youth that care for PLWHA.
  • The government has a responsibility to care for youths who are care givers.
  • Youths need to educate each other on HIV prevention.
  • Governments should avail funds to volunteers because most of them are usually young girls caring for their parents with no income to support them.

Question 3: Do you believe that people who care for PLWHA in your communities are also stigmatised?

  • Yes some of the care givers are stigmatised.
  • People that bear the brunt of stigma are usually the infected although it transcends to the affected.
  • People might also think they are HIV positive and they have been exposed to the risk of HIV infection.
  • Yes its not easy when it comes to the issues of HIV/AIDS especially with the negative way society looks at such issues.

Question 4: Who else should take care of HIV and AIDS caregivers?

  • It would be of great importance if the government is part and parcel of supporting care givers.
  • Civil society organisations in the region should contribute to government budget deficits.
  • The responsibility of care givers should both be a government and community effort. The government can offer financial assistance while communities offer moral support.
  • Funds may run out so sustainable measures should be put in place wherby NGO’s should have business ventures that earn sufficient profits to enable implementation of such measures.
  • Community projects can be started to help care givers sustain themselves.

Question 5: What about children caregivers in the homes? Are there examples of this being a problem in your communities ?

  • Children caregivers suffer the most because they are always tired and do not cope at school then they eventually drop out.
  • The most affected are girl children who drop out of school to take care of their parents.
  • If the government assists, the problem of child caregivers will be minimised.
  • There are a lot of child caregivers who juggle between caregiving and vending.
  • The loss of one parent often leaves children fending for the other sick parent with relatives popping in here and there.
  • Child caregivers (especially girls) are vulnerable and prone to abuse and can be forced into risky sexual behaviour to fend for their siblings. This exposes them to contracting HIV and then the cycle continues.
  • The young ones need to be taught where and how they can seek help.

Question 6: What will your role be as an individual in realising the importance of care givers for PLWHA?

  • Giving a hand and showing support.
  • One needs to spread the idea that there will always be people in our communities, on our door steps and next door to us; they need our support.
  • Push foward to get the care givers acknowledged and get them included in the national budgets.
  • Spare time to help care givers.
  • Every citizen should play their part in helping government shortcomings in order to bring about change.


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