The voluntary HIV counselling and testing took place as part of a West African women’s leadership seminar, which ran from March 4 to 8. HIV and AIDS is considered by many to be a matter of shame, and HIV testing can be viewed negatively.
Altogether, 32 participants went for testing, including women leaders and ITF officials.
Yvonne Adanlete Lawson, a member of the ITF Africa women’s committee, said: “HIV testing is still a taboo and we are afraid to go for testing as so much stigma is associated with it. I am happy to see so many women leaders from West Africa participating in the seminar came out to challenge the silence and do the testing.”
ITF women transport workers’ coordinator Alison McGarry highlighted the role that women play around the world in challenging their societies to change. She emphasised the importance of winning employer support for educating members on the facts about HIV and AIDS, building links with other organisations working in the field, and continuing the fight against sexual violence which increases the change of infection.
ITF women act on HIV
news
ON THE GROUND
news
ITF Leads Wellbeing Events for Indian Workers Across Transport Sectors
Seafarers, dockers, railway and warehouse workers benefit from ITF wellbeing sessions in India. Mental health and wellbeing were top of the agenda for transport workers from across India’s maritime
news
ITF mourns victims of Uganda bus crash and calls for urgent action to protect drivers and the public
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has expressed its shock and deep sadness at the tragic bus crash in Uganda that has claimed more than 40 lives. According to reports, two long
news
Transport workers call for peace, justice and disarmament
24–30 October marks United Nations Disarmament Week — a moment for the global trade union movement to renew its call for peace, justice and the elimination of weapons of mass destruction. The