Women: The Face of AIDS
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Women: The Face of AIDS Directed by Liz Marshall Format: DVD |
Not for distribution or reproduction without permission. |
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Women: The Face of AIDS is a half-hour documentary that traces the stories of five courageous HIV-positive women in sub-Saharan Africa and the tremendous grassroots organizations that support them. This is the third film in a trilogy about the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s work to support grandmothers, orphans and women in sub-Saharan Africa.
Of the 22.5 million people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, 61%
are women. At the heart of the HIV/AIDS pandemic lie the issues of
gender inequality, poverty and the disproportionate vulnerability of
women and girls. Young women are especially vulnerable—three
quarters of youth people infected on the continent are young women
aged 15 – 24.
The Stephen Lewis Foundation supports more than 140 grassroots
projects in 15 sub-Saharan African countries. Addressing the needs
of women has been a priority since the Foundation began. We support a wide variety of initiatives, including: home-based care and
counselling for women who are ill, support groups for HIV-positive
mothers and their children, girls’ education and empowerment clubs,
voluntary counselling and testing, treatment for survivors of sexual
violence, support for caregivers and nurses, income-generating activities and grants that help women start small businesses.
"Gender inequality is driving the pandemic, and we will never subdue the gruesome force of AIDS until the rights of women become paramount in the struggle."
- Stephen Lewis
(NOTE: Statistics featured in Women: The Face of AIDS were drawn from the 2006 UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic, and from the 2006 UNAIDS Epidemic Update).
Distribution:
In many places, people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS continue to face stigma and discrimination. For this reason, the film is not intended for distribution or purchase within Africa. The women profiled in the film courageously agreed to share their stories with a North American audience, with the understanding that the film would not be shown in their home countries.
Screenings / How to Order the Film:
We hope this film can play an important role in your community activities. DVD copies are available for $20. Cheques or money orders payable to the Stephen Lewis Foundation (mark “Women Film” in subject line) can be sent to:
Stephen Lewis Foundation
260 Spadina Ave, Suite 501
Toronto, ON M5T 2E4
For more information, please call (416) 533-9292, ext 0.
Credits:
Director / Producer: Liz Marshall
Producer: Leslie Thomas
Executive Producer: Avi Lewis



