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Implementing Multiple Gender Strategies to Improve HIV and ... - ICRW

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Young men also build knowledge around <strong>HIV</strong> prevention, the effects of<br />

AIDS, puberty, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) <strong>and</strong> domestic violence<br />

through participa<strong>to</strong>ry workshops, monthly group discussions, <strong>and</strong> the<br />

process of researching <strong>and</strong> developing materials for their peers. They<br />

receive training <strong>and</strong> peer education sessions <strong>to</strong> build skills, including<br />

negotiation <strong>and</strong> communication skills, proper condom use, activity planning,<br />

reporting, lobbying <strong>and</strong> advocacy, <strong>and</strong> creating <strong>and</strong> realizing a joint vision.<br />

The young men develop dramas, songs, poems <strong>and</strong> traditional dances as<br />

outlets for creative expression. Finally, during soccer matches the players<br />

engage the crowd or the opposing team in discussions around rape, <strong>HIV</strong><br />

prevention, drug abuse <strong>and</strong> violence against women.<br />

Target Audience • Youth ages 15–24 who play soccer in community clubs<br />

• Female partners of soccer players<br />

• Community networks involved in the project<br />

Level of Intervention • District<br />

• Municipal<br />

Geographic<br />

Location<br />

Seven communities in KwaZulu Natal: Zondi S<strong>to</strong>re, Hopewell, Mafakathini,<br />

M<strong>and</strong>eni, Escourt, Grey<strong>to</strong>wn <strong>and</strong> Mpolweni<br />

Timeframe<br />

1998–ongoing<br />

Funders<br />

Joint Oxfam <strong>HIV</strong>/AIDS Program (JOHAP) – Oxfam Australia<br />

Partner<br />

Organizations<br />

Implementation partner:<br />

South African Football Association (SAFA)<br />

IMPLEMENTATION AND RESULTS<br />

Start-up <strong>and</strong><br />

Implementation<br />

Process<br />

The first phase of the project was <strong>to</strong> establish a relationship with the<br />

executive committee of SAFA. Early engagement with SAFA helped<br />

provide access <strong>to</strong> community soccer teams <strong>and</strong> ensured the support of<br />

these key stakeholders.<br />

The soccer players are responsible for program implementation. The<br />

players hold monthly meetings, which serve as men<strong>to</strong>ring sessions as well<br />

as opportunities <strong>to</strong> moni<strong>to</strong>r the implementation of each team’s program<br />

plans. The participants also discuss challenges <strong>and</strong> successes, gender<br />

issues, <strong>HIV</strong> prevention issues, <strong>and</strong> more. Group activities focus on<br />

education, condom distribution <strong>and</strong> events.<br />

Local Involvement/<br />

Ownership<br />

Young men’s ownership of the project has been established. Young men<br />

decide what activities <strong>to</strong> conduct in the community, what <strong>to</strong>pics they will<br />

address <strong>and</strong> how they will implement these. This may help sustain changes<br />

in attitudes over time. Also, TAI holds annual feedback sessions during<br />

which teams provide input in<strong>to</strong> proposal writing.<br />

134

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