The Grandmothers' Gathering
About the Gathering
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The Grandmothers’ Gathering, hosted by the Stephen Lewis Foundation, took place in Toronto on August 11-13th, 2006. The Gathering brought together grandmothers and project facilitators from 11 countries in sub-Saharan Africa where the Stephen Lewis Foundation supports projects. |
© Liz Marshall |
They gathered with Canadian grandmothers who have recognized the terrible burden being borne by African grandmothers in the context of HIV/AIDS, and who are mobilizing in response to the needs and rights of African grandmothers in an effort to provide support.
On August 13, 2006, African and Canadian grandmothers delivered a message to the world. The 'Toronto Statement' is the culmination of the key points from the Grandmothers' Gathering. It was presented to representatives from UNAIDS and the XVI International AIDS Conference at the close of the Gathering.
To read and listen to news coverage of the Gathering, click here.
Grandmothers' gathering Objectives
The Grandmothers to Grandmothers Gathering had three major objectives:
- For the grandmothers from across southern Africa to have a forum where they can speak as the experts about their experiences living with the HIV/AIDS epidemic – to articulate their needs and set the agenda for support and mobilization;
- For Canadian grandmothers to engage directly with African participants about their situation, and for this to inform their work across the country – organising, raising awareness and funds, and calling for action;
- For grandmothers in Africa and Canada to build a solidarity movement, informed by the voices of African women, which will assist African grandmothers in obtaining the support needed to secure a hopeful and healthy future for themselves and their orphan grandchildren.
the toronto statement
The Grandmothers to Grandmothers Gathering produced an outcome statement. Please click on the links below to download the Toronto Statement from the Grandmothers' Gathering:
Download the Toronto Statement: |
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Gathering sponsors
The Grandmothers' Gathering was made possible through the generous contributions of numerous donors. Click here to view a list of the major donors to the Gathering.