Universal Access to Female Condoms........

The 2009 Female Condom Campaign Strategy

2009-01-26T23:33:00.001-08:00

Coming Soon................

Dialogue Declaration

2008-09-12T04:24:00.000-07:00

After two days of dialogue with a wide range of delegates from Civil Society declared that :

Our own Constitution provides for the establishment of a society based on social justice and fundamental rights, and a society where the quality of life of all citizens should be improved; and where the full potential of the citizens should be realized.
The right to basic health care provides for the right of every person ‘to make decisions concerning reproduction,’ and the right to have access to ‘reproductive health care.’
In its General Comment No 12, (the Right to the Highest Attainable Standard of Health), the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR), defined reproductive health as follows:
“Reproductive health means that women and men have the freedom to decide if and when to reproduce and the right to be informed and to have access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of family planning of their choice as well as the right of access to appropriate health care services that will, for example, enable women to go safely through pregnancy and childbirth,”

The following declaration was taken by representatives of Civil Society and other stakeholders at the Inaugural 2008 TVEP Female Condom Dialogues held at the Garden Court ORT, Johannesburg from the 10th to 11th of September 2008.

We the undersigned declare :

• Lack of adequate access to Female Condoms constitutes a human rights violation.
• An expanded definition of human rights inclusive of such issues as choice, accessibility and gender should
be supported.
• Access to free and easily accessible quality female condoms restores women’s self-esteem and dignity
• The Female Condom is the only female initiated and controlled prevention and protection method and as such
full participation of all stakeholders and the private sector must be incorporated into any strategy
relating to access.
• The inequitable distribution of female and male condoms in the current National Strategic Plan is
unacceptable and should be challenged immediately.
• Social norms are the major drivers of discrimination and inequalities and they contribution towards the
feminization of HIV.
• The use of any condom further empowers people o reduce the rate of reinfection and increased the total
number of protected sex acts.

We further acknowledge that Universal Access to Female Condoms can only be achieved through enhanced

o Resource Allocation
o Education & Training
o Infrastructure Development and
o Ensuring adequate policy implementation
o The roll out of male circumsion as an HIV prevention method need to be further investigated as to the
impact of women’s risks and vulnerabilities to HIV. In the context of potential decreased male condom use
as a result of MC programmes, we strongly believe that universal access to female condoms is thus
understood as a pre-requisite

Participant List

2008-09-02T07:14:00.000-07:00

1. AGENDA, Nokhuthula Magudlela, Executive Director
2. AIDS Consortium, Gerard Payne, Advocacy Manager
3. Aids Legal Network, Joanne Kehler, Director
4. Amnesty International , Linda Mafu , Executive Director
5. ANC Womens League, Sisisi Tolashe (TBC), Secretary General
6. Care, Ntefeleng Nene, Community Development Manager
7. CATCH Projects, Sue Davies, Director
8. Centre for Positive Care, Tshinganga Mulalo, Prevention Coordinator
9. CHOICE, Lutendo Phophi, Trainer
10. Commision on Gender Equality, Delegate TBC,
11. COSATU, Louisa Plaatjies, HIV Coordinator
12. COSATU, Jaqueline Bodibe, OHS, HIV & AIDS Policy Coordinator
13. CSVR, Angelica Pino, Gender Programme Manager
14. CSVR, Collet Ngwane, Researcher
15. Engender Health, Dumisani Rebombo, Advocacy Manager
16. Focus Products - The Reddy Condom, Leon Klugman, SA Rep - Reddy Condom
17. Gender Advocacy Programme, Raashied Galant, Women and Media Coordinator
18. GETNET, Rita Edwards, Acting Director
19. Global Public Sector Team Female Health , J Verster, Documentation Officer
20. Global Public Sector Team Female Health , Maya Gokul , Training Manager
21. Global Public Sector Team Female Health , Katy Pepper, African Advisor
22. Greater Molweni CRC, Nontsikelelo Gwamanda, HIV/AIDS Coordinator
23. Haven Wellness Centre, Caroll Warmberg, Patron
24. Health Systems Trust , Nombulelo Bomela, Researcher
25. Human Sciences Research Council, Proffesor Moletsane, Director of the Gender
and Development Unit
26. Independent Democrats, Rose Gulduzha (TBC), Womens Affairs Spokesperson
27. KwaMakhutha Community Resource Centre, Tabisile Khuzwayo, Manager
28. KwaZulu Regional Christian Counselling Centre, Sthembile Sibiya, Gender AIDS
Coordinator
29. Lawyers for Human Rights, Khululwa Seyisi, Legal Counsellor
30. Masimanyane Womens Group, Chumisa Dyasi, Public Educator
31. Member of Parliament - DA, Sandy Kaylan, HIV / AIDS Spokesperson
32. Member of Parliament - DA, Janet Semple, Poitical and Gender Equality
33. Mpumalalnga Civil Society Forum , T. Mthenjane, Coordinator
34. National Department of Health, B E Marumo, Deputy Director - STI & HIV
Prevention
35. NEHAWU, Busisiwe Tshabalala, HIV/AIDS Coordinator
36. Network on Violence against Women, Lungiswa Memela, Director
37. New Womens Movement, Lusanda Dyonase, Teen Preganncy Campaign
38. NISSA, Nditsheni Maanda, Training Manager
39. Open Disclosure Foundation , Prince Nare, Dialogue Logistics Support
40. Oxfam Australia, Urvarshi Rajcoomar, Policy Officer
41. Phalaborwa Foundation, Rosah Thobejane, Peer Educator
42. Pietermaritzburg Gay and Lesbian Network, Akona Ntsaluba, Training
Coordinator
43. Positive Muslims Network, Fatima Noordien, Director
44. POWA, Jeannette Sera, Clinical Manager
45. Reproductive Health Research Unit , Lauren Jankelowitz, Programme Manager
46. SASBO - The Finance Union , Haley Best, HIV Coordinator
47. Sonke Gender Justice, Mbuyiselo Botha, One Man Can Coordinator
48. South African Clinicians Society , Chloe Hardy , Office Manager
49. South African Communist Party, Nozizwe Madlala Routledge (TBC), Spokesperson
on Womens Affairs
50. South African Council of Churches, Rev Tebogo Klaas, Head of Health
51. South African Human Rights Commision , Steven Ngobeni, National HIV & AIDS
Coordinator
52. South African National AIDS Council, Mark Heywood, Deputy Chairperson
53. Targeted AIDS Interventions, Gaetane le Grange, Director
54. Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Programme, Busiswa Gqulu, Logistics Supporter
55. Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Programme, Nkhumiseni Tshivhase, Drama
Coordinator
56. Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Programme, Fulufhelo Soboiboi, HD Coordinator
57. Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Programme, Erica Baloyi, Empowerment Manager
58. Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Programme, Tshikudo Nedombeloni, IT Support
59. Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Programme, Tian Johnson, Advocacy Officer
60. Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Programme, Valerie Fichardt, Logistics
Supporter
61. Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Programme, Lele Hadebe, Logistics Supporter
62. Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Programme, Shalom Ncala, Logistics Supporter
63. Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Programme, Melusi Ncala, Logistics Supporter
64. Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Programme, Fiona Nicholson, Programme Director
65. TLAC, Anneke Meerkotter, Director
66. Total Control of The Epidemic, Angelinah Ramotsabi, Deputy Coordinator
67. Traditional Healers Association, Nomagugu Kgopyane, Capacity Building Officer
68. Treatment Action Campaign, Nomfundo Eland, National Womens Rights Coordinator
69. Umtata Womens Support Centre, Irene Hintsho, Nursing Official
70. United Nations Popoulation Fund, Dr Inonge Dada, National Officer : Sexual
and Reproductive Health
71. United Nations Popoulation Fund, Claudia Shilumani, HIV Prevention Officer
72. United Nations Popoulation Fund, Shermain Mannah, Gender Officer
73. University of Cape Town, Nomazizi Cishe, Womens Health Research Unit
UCT
74. Women Lawyers Association SA, Brenda Wardle, Lawyer
75. Womens' Net , Faith Nkomo, Girls Net Project Manager

The following delegates will be joining the dialogues as self sponsored observers in the interests of knowledge sharing and capacity building.

Richbone Foundation, Anhwere Kwabena, International Observer
Richbone Foundation, Asante Albert, International Observer
Richbone Foundation, Ampofo Isaac Twumasi, International Observer
Richbone Foundation, Karikari Kofi, International Observer
Richbone Foundation, Darcosta Ofori Gyamfi, International Observer
Richbone Foundation, Phillip Kwaku Offeh, International Observer
Richbone Foundation, Ababio Kwaku Achampong, International Observer

The Chair and Co Chair of The 2008 TVEP Female Condom Dialogues

2008-09-02T06:07:00.000-07:00

The Chair of the 2008 TVEP Female Condom Dialogues, Brenda Wardle, is Head Legal Services at Wardle Ndhlela & Mahlangu Consultants CC and an associate at Mindman (Pty) Ltd, she holds an Integrated Diploma in General Nursing & Midwifery from the Frere College of Nursing, an Intermediary Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of South Africa and a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of South Africa.

She also holds a Master of Laws from the University of South Africa. She received a DACST Scholarship to study statistics at the Summer School in cancer registration in France 1997 (World Health Organisation in Lyon). She is also currently provisionally registered towards a Doctor of Laws Degree and is Vice - President Programs of the South African Women Lawyers Association Gauteng Chapter.

Wardle was instrumental in organising the National Conference on Selected Sentencing Provisions and their Impact on Correctional Services Release Policies hosted by Wardle Ndhlela & Mahlangu Consultants CC in 8 of the country’s 9 provinces. Wardle is an accredited facilitator with the Services SETA for interventions such Emotional Intelligence, Revolutionary Thinking, Strategic Planning, Diversity Management and Change Management Wardle facilitated a 6-months certificate course for paralegals from the South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU). She drafts legal opinions and has been called upon to give advice in some of the country’s high profile criminal cases.

The Co Chair

The Co Chair, Ms Erica Baloyi is the Empowerment Manager of TVEP and has rich history of advocacy and community mobilisation. Erica holds a degree in Social Sciences from the University of the Western Cape and brings a wealth of experience from some of the largest members of Civil Society such as loveLife, PPSA and the Harvard School of Public Health.

Dialogue Programme

2008-09-02T05:06:00.000-07:00

Wednesday 10th September 2008

09h00 Registration & Refreshments
10h00 Performing Artist , Busiswa Gqula, Feminist Poet
10h05 Opening & Welcome, Fiona Nicholson, TVEP
10h10 Female Condom Presentation, DVD
10h30 Global Status Quo on Female Condoms, UNFPA
11h00 Q & A for clarification Chair,
11h15 Update on South Africa’s National Strategic Plan ,SANAC
11h45 Q & A for clarification Chair
12h00 South African Status Quo on Female Condoms – FC & FC2 Female Health
Foundation
12h15 South African Status Quo on Female Condoms – The Reddy Focus Products SA
12h30 Q & A for clarification, Chair
12h45 Lunch
13h45 Interactive Female Condom Presentation, Global Public Sector FC Team
14h15 Exploring Barriers to Female Condom use, UNFPA
14h45 SA’s Universal & National Commitments to Gender Equality, Lawyers for
Human Rights
15h00 The position of the SAHRC, SAHRC
15h15 Tea
15h35 Open Session Dialogue, Chair
16h15 Sector Terms of Reference for Day 2, Chair
16h45 Housekeeping Notices, TVEP
16h55 Performing Artist, Busiswa Gqula, Feminist Poet
17h00 Close of Day 1

Thursday 11th September 2008

08h00 Dialogue Opens with Performing Artist, Busiswa Gqula, Feminist Poet
08h05 Summary of Day 1, Chair
08h20 Sectors Breakaway to Develop Position Papers, Chair
09h20 Tea , Chair
09h40 Sectors Present Position Papers
10h40 Open Dialogue & Adoption of Sector Position Papers, Chair
11h15 Sectors Breakaway to Develop Work Plans, Chair
12h15 Lunch
13h00 Sector Work Plan Presentations, Chair
14h00 Open Dialogue & Adoption of Sector Work Plans, Chair
15h00 Tea
15h20 Development & Adoption of Campaign Terms of Reference, Chair
15h40 Way Forward, Chair
16h00 Performing Artist, Busiswa Gqula, Feminist Poet
16h05 Vote of Thanks and Closure, Fiona Nicholson, TVEP

Registration Form

2008-08-26T04:19:00.000-07:00

REGISTRATION FORM

Name : ___________________________

Representing: ___________________________

Designation: ___________________________

POSTAL ADDRESS
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
EMAIL ADDRESS
URL
TELEPHONE
FAX
MOBILE
PROVINCE

NB: As indicated on the Dialogue Invitation letter, the dialogue will culminate in a workplan and sector position paper. Therefore delegates are requested that they ensure they are authorized to sign such documents on behalf of their organizations.

Please indicate which area of the sector your organization operates in:

FAITH BASED
LEGAL
HIV/AIDS
ADVOCACY
ACADEMIC
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
GOVERNMENT
LOCAL NGO
GOVERNMENT
DONOR
POLITICAL
OTHER
INTERNATIONAL NGO
MEDIA

Logistics!

PLEASE CIRCLE

Will you require accommodation on the night of the 10th September 2008? (Delegates will be accommodated at the Holiday Inn Garden Court ORT International)

YES NO

Would you prefer a smoking or non smoking room?

SMOKING NON SMOKING

Do you have any dietary Preferences?

HALAAL VEGETARIAN OTHER

Will you require parking?

YES NO

If yes please provide your vehicle registration number

In case of emergency please provide us with a number to call

Name ______________________________

Tel: ________________________________

If you are from outside Johannesburg, please provide us with the following details to assist us in coordinating your transport to the Dialogues.

Please give us the name of your nearest Airport:

_______________________________________

Please provide your ID or Passport Number:___________________________________________

Dialogue Logistics

2008-08-26T03:58:00.000-07:00

Thank you for confirming your participation in the
Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Programme
Female Condom Dialogues
2008.

Please find hereunder logistical details that will ensure your time with us is as stress free as possible!

Dialogue Location

The Dialogues will be held at the Holiday Inn Garden Court ORT International , positioned just 2.6km from the Airport.

Getting to the Venue

For delegates coming from Johannesburg and surrounds you can view a map to the venue at

As shuttle service will be available to delegates from the Airport to the Hotel and Dialogue Venue at no cost. Please ensure that the delegate name you submit with registration is accurate as this will be the name on the Shuttle list.

The designated boarding area for the shuttle is situated behind the InterContentinal Airport Sun hotel. In order to reach this area, make your way to the Car Rental Parkade on the opposite side of the road, approximately midway between International and Domestic Arrivals (turning to your left as exit the International Arrival hall and to your right from Domestic Arrivals.)

On entering the parkade, all the car rental companies will be on your left-hand side. Follow the sign that indicates Coach & Bus Terminus. Exit at the last door on your right-hand side and follow the pathway to the terminus.
The silver Mercedes bus is identifiable by the Garden Court Southern Sun logo on the side. If the bus is not there on your arrival, please be patient as it shuttles to and from the airport every 15 minutes between 06h00 and 10h00 and again from 16h30 to 23h00. In between these times, the shuttle operates every 30 minutes.

Overnight Accommodation – 10th September 2008

Holiday Inn Garden Court ORT International Airport. Delegates will be accommodated in spacious en-suite rooms which sport a shower/bath combination, direct-dial telephone with voice mail and wake-up call facilities, computer modem point, wireless internet connectivity, television with enhanced DSTV channels, individually controlled air-conditioning, hairdryer, bathroom amenities and tea
and coffee-making facilities. There is also a room for physically challenged delegates.

Dinner – 10th September 2008

Spur Steak Ranch. Delegates will be issued with meal vouchers to be redeemed at Spur Soaring Eagle Restaurant located on the Hotel Premises. The vouchers carry a R200.00 value and will cover a meal of your choice and drinks to that value.

Parking

Parking bays have been allocated to delegates who will be driving to the Dialogues for the 10th and 11th September 2008. Please indicate your requirement on the registration sheet. Parking is complementary.

Flights

Your flight details will be sent to you in advance of the dialogues.

Resource and Background Material

All resource and background material will be posted on the Dialogue blog which can be found at www.ahumanrightsissue.blogspot.com .

Important Numbers

The following details are for key contact people who will be able to assist you with information relating to the Dialogue as well as any logistical enquiries you might have. Please feel free to contact them at any time during the course of the dialogues.

Conference Manager, Tian Johnson, T.V.E.P., 073 432 4069
Logistical Assistant, ( from 7th / 9 / 08 ), Prince Nare, T.V.E.P., 076 711 0114
Shuttle Service, Michael Field, Southern Sun, 083 720 4855
Shuttle Services, Bronwyn Field , Southern Sun, 083 272 7300
Holiday Inn Garden Court ORT Concierge, Southern Sun ,011 392 1062

Invitation Letter

2008-08-11T09:54:00.000-07:00

The Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Programme’s mission is to generate an attitude of zero tolerance towards sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse and HIV/AIDS based stigma and discrimination in the Thulamela Municipality.

The TVEP will be hosting a series of discussions on the potential for the launch of a campaign to advocate for Universal Access to Female Condoms in South Africa. It is anticipated that at the culmination of these discussions, at which a cross section of Key role players will give input, a campaign will be launched which will see the coordination of a concerted advocacy plan take off the ground to realise this aim.

Over the last few years South African civil society has been mobilised to take action against several injustices against those most vulnerable, from social security to treatment for HIV. However we remain concerned about Civil Societies silence on the lack of access to the single available method that women and girls can initiate and in some way control, that protects against both unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, The Female Condom.

As the discussions will culminate in the endorsement of a position paper as well as a work plan, we would like to request the participation of one duly authorised signatory to represent the organisation at these discussions.

For logistical purposes kindly confirm your attendance on or before Wednesday 13th August 2008. Please note that the cost of flights, accommodation and meals will be covered by Tvep with support from our donors.

Dates : 10th September 2008 to 11th September 2008
Conference and Accommodation Venue: The Garden Court , Southern Sun . ORT International Airport

Should you indicate your participation you will receive

1/ Draft Programme
2/ Logistical Details for flights and accommodation

Please address all correspondence and queries with regards to the above to, The Campaign Coordinator ,Tian Johnson, Tel : as above,

Fight Poverty, End Inequality, Build Solidarity

Tian Johnson
Advocacy Officer
Mobile : 073 432 4069
partnerships@inbox.com