The gender programme focuses on integrating gender perspectives into the national HIV response to address the unique inequalities between women and men, girls and boys.
The programme although biased towards women and girls who are disproportionately affected by the pandemic, it aims to promote equality and human rights, ensuring that gender mainstreaming is a core component of the HIV response. Thus, the programme has also incorporated a male engagement strategy to achieve better outcomes for women and girls while at the same time improving the health seeking behaviour for men.
The programme uses transformative approaches and one of the strategies being implemented is the four phased SASA model (Start, Awareness, Support and Action) aimed at changing individuals' attitudes, community norms and structures by supporting communities through a phased process of change. The model is being implemented through trained SASA Champions in six of Zimbabwe's provinces with support from the Global Fund and NAC.
A Gender and HIV Technical Working Group is in place at national level to provide guidance in ensuring that gender issues are adequately addressed and mainstreamed in all HIV and AIDS programming, policies, strategic information and partner initiatives and financing.
Strategic priorities guiding our gender mainstreaming efforts
Strengthening the gender coordination mechanisms
Advocacy for development, review and harmonization of gender policy frameworks
Capacity building of key stakeholders and communities to mainstream gender
Review, development and dissemination of appropriate information packages
Addressing cultural factors and norms that continue to put women and girls at risk of HIV infection and constrain their enjoyment of rights
Promoting gender, HIV and human rights approaches at all levels
Strengthening gender indicators for effective monitoring and evaluation
Facilitate mobilization of resources for an effective gendered response
The four-phased SASA model (Start, Awareness, Support and Action) is a transformative approach aimed at changing individuals' attitudes, community norms and structures by supporting communities through a phased process of change. The model is being implemented through trained SASA Champions in six of Zimbabwe's provinces with support from the Global Fund and NAC.