Miss HIV Stigma Free Mag Report

tshebetso
is the 2008/9
queen
a tribute to
cynthia leshomo

reginah lesole maria motse
heartfelt hands over

LOTS OF PICTURES & WORTHWHILE STORIES!

NA CA
Ntwa e Bolotse

ts
is thebets
CEYOHO Organizational Profile 4 que he 200o
en 8/ 9
The Greatest Obstacles
in accessing AIDS Programs 6 reg
hea inah le
rtfe sol
lt e
cyn a trib
thia

mar
u
leshte to
omo

7
i
Meet the Contestants NA
Ntwa
e Bo
CA
lotse
han a mots
ds o e
ver
Profiles of All the 2008 LOTS
OF P
ICTU

Pageant Contestants
RES &
WO
RTH
WH
ILE ST
ORIE
S!

Pageant Background 8
The Event: Words Shared 11
Tribute to Cynthia Leshomo
The 2005 Queen who left a great
service legacy 12
Dikgosi
As Partners In Fighting HIV/ AIDS Stigma 13
The Reigning Queen
Tshebetso is Crowned 2008 Queen 15
18
The Other Voice:
A South African Perspective
of Stigmatization- Just a Virus,
Just A Disease

Stakeholder Voice:
BONELA fights discrimination
in the workplace 20
Feature: Regina Lesole:
Regina looks back gives
a heartfelt story 21
Stigma:
Broader Perspective 23

3 MISS HIV STIGMA FREE MAG REPORT

PROJECT DRIVERS

organizational
profile Secondly, CEYOHO addresses the problem

C
entre for Youth of Hope
( C E YO H O ) i s a N o n of behavior change among young people.
G o v e r n m e n t a l The level of awareness in Botswana is
Organization (NGO) that was formed in 2001 estimated at over 90%. However, this
by young PLWHA and formerly registered as award has not translated into desired
a society in February 2002. Its primary target behavior practices that make them
is young people living with HIV/AIDS. vulnerable to HIV and STI”S infection.
And
CEYOHO provides care and support to young
people living with HIV/AIDS and educate Thirdly, CEYOHO mobilizes young people
others on prevention and how to live and facilitate the formation of youth
positively with HIV/AIDS.CEYOHO supports support groups with particular emphasis
the development of income generating on providing care and support for youth
activities by young people as a strategy to living with HIV and AIDS and strengthening
mitigate the socio-economic impacts of their ability to live positively with HIV and
HIV/AIDS. The organization is engaged in AIDS.
community participation and involvement in
ARV, CHBC, PMTCT, IPT, CHBC and VCT CEYOHO provides care and support and
programs. educates youth on how to strengthen their
ability to live positively. The center has
CEYOHO addresses three core challenges. emerged as a widely acknowledged model
of how to support young people living with
First, stigma reduction among young peoples HIV and AIDS. CEYOHO confronts the
especially those living with HIV/AIDS. Stigma underlying causes of stigma by
has sustained the culture of silence among continuously designing interventions
youth who are HIV positive and hence geared towards addressing the complex
supported the silent spread of the epidemic problem of stigma. CEYOHO believes that
among young people. Stigma has also stigma can be tackled, and can be
instilled fear of rejection, isolation and eradicated through concerted efforts of
discrimination and has greatly influenced organization, sharing a common goal
the accessibility and utilization of HIV/AIDS mission and working together at different
related services through programmes such levels through participatory approaches.
as ARV, PMTCT, IPT, CHBC and in particular
Voluntary Counseling & Testing (VCT).

6

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK

the greatest
obstacle
in accessing AIDS programs
Mrs. Kesego Basha - Mupeli
Director - CEYOHO

Stigma has stubbornly sustained a culture

S
tigma continues to be one of the
major impediments to effective of silence hence the silence spread of Stigma
combating of HIV and AIDS world HIV/AIDS. People living with HIV and AIDS has stubbornly
over. It is one of the greatest obstacles to a report that dealing with stigma attached to
successful response to HIV & AIDS. For HIV and AIDS is one of the primary sustained a culture
instance, stigma deters many individuals challenges and sources of stress they face. of silence
from accessing AIDS programmes and hence the silence
services such as voluntary counselling and Effective campaign initiatives like the Miss
testing, prevention of mother to child HIV Stigma Free pageant are more crucial spread HIV/AIDS.
transmission of HIV as well as ARV free than ever before to thwart stigma. I would
access e.t.c. It also makes it difficult to like to appeal to our Development in its anti Stigma Campaigns such as the
adopt safer sex practices and behaviour partners and stakeholders to continue to “Miss HIV Stigma Free pageant” and “Stigma
change. support CEYOHO Free Week” respectively.

our deepest gratitude
The following organizations and person Those that volunteered their time and

O
n behalf of CEYOHO Board,
Management and Staff, I would like worth noting for their invaluable service, CEYOHO members and volunteers
to extend my sincerest gratitude to contributions to the success of out and with sincere gratitude Mr Otto Masogo,
all those who made the 2008 National Miss pageant; Honorable Gaotlhaetse Edwin Motse, David Parsons, Mr. Jacob
HIV Stigma Free Pageant a success. Matlhaphiri (guest speaker),Franscistown Mathapa and Ms Maria Rakgowa.
DMSAC (hosts), Mr. Mmoloki Ramontsho
In particular we wish to thank our sponsors (Director of Ceremony), our judges Dr. On behalf of Batswana, I would like to extend
the National AIDS Coordinating Agency Onalethata Johnson, Mr. Tshegofatso my exceptional thanks to the contestants
( N AC A ) , D e p a r t m e n t o f H I V/A I D S Mampane, Mrs. Gofaone Lentswe and Mr. that despite their HIV positive status, they
Prevention Care and Support, Botswana Jabulani Makwiwa. can contribute meaningfully towards a
Network of AIDS Services Organisations Stigma free Botswana.
(BONASO) and Korean Auto Services . Special thanks to our supporters Barclays
Bank of Botswana, Kagiso Funeral Parlour , Kesego Basha-Mupeli
Our special thanks go to the outgoing World Health Organization (WHO), Ministry Director -CEYOHO
queen for 2007, Mrs Maria Motse for her of Health, Botswana Couples Forum
relentless effort in the fight against Botswana Treatment Literacy Coalition for
Stigma. their contributions and the following
District Multi Sectoral AIDS Committees for
Ghanzi Mabutsane, Tlokweng, Gumare,
Maun Chobe.


BEAUTIES

meet the
contestants
April 1978, in a town called Selebi-Phikwe I
was born and named Tshebetso Thobolo.
When I tested HIV positive, I beat myself up
with self stigmatization. I even wrote a will
My name is Kganetso Mokarabane; I was born for I believed my death would come inevitably
My name is Kenamohona Tjirongo; I was born in Gantsi back in 1975. I am proud to say that I sooner. I couldn't even disclose to my parents
in Kareng in 1985. I believe that being HIV am positively living with HIV/AIDS. It was not for fear of rejection, my friends deserted me
positive is not my condemnation, it is vital for always easy but I built around me a very saying I would infect them. When I finally
everyone to know their HIV status. There are strong support system to buddy me through gathered the courage to disclose, my parents
accessible programs nationwide to help ease all my life's trials. I would like to thank my were happy and very supportive of my
the burden of living with HIV/AIDS. I am proud family and the community I live in for not only decision to go public with my status. Currently
to say that I am currently enrolled on ARVs accepting my status but for also being my I am involved in a lot of community based
and positively adhering to treatment. pillar of hope and strength. information dissemination activities.

Kenamohona Tjirongo - (Stage Name: ACHAP) Kganetso Mokarabane - (Stage Name: US Peace Corps) Tshebetso Thobolo - (Stage Name: HARVARD )

Gontle Kale - (Stage Name: S & CD) Chinidzo Keeditse - (Stage Name: NACA) Kentse Moalosi - (Stage Name: MASA)

The year was 1985 in Maun when I was born. My name is Chinidzo Keeditse. I was born in I am Kentse Moalosi; I was born in Rakops in
My name is Gontle Kale and I am living 1978 in Rakops. I have been living with 1978. I am positively living with HIV/AIDS. I
positively with HIV/AIDS. I tested HIV positive HIV/AIDS since 2004. I tested because I had have learnt to accept my status as I want other
back in 2006 when I was an expectant mild stroke and herpes zoster. My family has people to accept it as well. I am enrolled in the
mother. From then I had the opportunity to always been supportive and they encouraged ARV program.
keep check of my CD4 count and basically my me to join a support group. I am on ARVs and I
life. I can testify to self stigmatization for I take them religiously.
went through it, I was always afraid that if
people were to know, they would shun me
and laugh at me. Today, I would like to
encourage people to know their status.


b e a u t y , b ra i n s & s e r v i ce !
S t i g m a re m a i n s t h e g re a t e s t c h a l l e n ge i n t h e f i g h t a g a i n s t H I V a n d A I D S
T h e M i ss H I V S t i g m a Fre e Pa ge a n t t a c k l e s s t i g m a h e a d - o n

“Miss HIV Stigma Free Pageant initiative was awarded in 2004
as the best community initiative in Africa by “Initiative Africa” in France.
Mrs. Kesego Basha-Mupeli was invited to France to receive the award.”

Pageant Background
M
iss HIV Stigma free was initiated in 2002 by Mrs. Kesego Basha-Mupeli, a woman now aged 37 and openly living with
HIV/AIDS. Mrs. Mupeli worked in the government and later on resigned to go and form “Center for Youth of Hope”. She
left her job because she could not withstand the environment that she was working under because of her HIV positive
status. She came face to face with the ugly face of stigma at her work place and within her community. She discovered that
people living HIV/AIDS were not living positively because of stigma and discrimination. She tested HIV positive in 1997 and
publicly disclosed her HIV status in 2001.

Before then, she was actively involved in HIVAIDS work. Mrs. Mupeli went public with her HIV positive after she realized that
fighting the epidemic in the closest was not changing and improving anything in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Mrs. Mupeli realized
that to effectively fight and win the war against HIV/AIDS, visibility of people living with HIV/AIDS was an important factor.


BEAUTIES

meet the
contestants
My birth name is Ontlametse Photshane; I was
born in Lehututu on the 12th of November 1981.
My initial encounter with stigma was when I Chimwani Friday is my birth name.
first went public about my HIV status. However, December 1981 in Pandamatenga I was
the support from my family helped me born. I believe that I am special and very
overcome it. I was then attached to the District unique because at my age, I know my I was born in 1982 in Khakhea. My name is
Multi Sectoral AIDS Committee as a PLWHA lay status and I am living positively with Moroba Menwane. Since being diagnosed HIV
counselor and that helped me reach-out to an HIV/AIDS, I have accepted myself and I am positive, I have gone to great lengths to ensure
even greater magnitude of people. To my urging the world to do the same. that I am safe from re-infection as well as
fellow Batswana, I want to say that stigma can Community support, relevant and adequate infecting others. I believe that as people living
be eradicated with the sense of freedom to information can do wonders in our quest to with HIV/AIDS, with adequate support, play a
disclose. stigma eradication. major role in HIV prevention.

Ontlametse Photshane - (Stage Name: BONELA ) Chimwani Friday - (Stage Name: PSI) Moroba Menwane - (Stage Name: BOTUSA)

Keitsekgabo Gontho - (Stage Name: BONASO) Kenole Leinatsela - (Stage Name: DEBSWANA) Kegaisamang Ntshipi - (Stage Name: BONEPWA)

I am Keitsekgabo Gontho, I was born in Back in December 1978, in a village called My name is Kegaisamang Ntshipi from
Gaborone back in 1973. Before disclosing my Molapowabojang, I was born. My name is Molepolole. I was born in June 1975. Since my
status to my family, I was haunted by self Kenole Leinatsela. I enjoy working with people HIV positive diagnosis, I have had it tough.
stigmatization. I longed for the support of my infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. I value When I disclosed my status to the father of my
family until I told them. I wondered how I disseminating the correct and relevant child, he rejected me and that hurts. I then
could live with HIV/AIDS without the support information about HIV and AIDS as I believe resorted to alcohol for comfort. In the long run,
of my family, how could they support me if that this is one of the best tools in crushing I realized the dangers posed by my choices on
they don't even know what I am going the stigma and discrimination attached to my health, especially since I had enrolled on
through? living with HIV/ AIDS. the ARV program, I then quit drinking. Today I
am proud to declare myself a responsible self-
confident woman living openly and positively
with her HIV/AIDS status.


THE MOMENT

Mpho Mokoti Hon. G. U. S. Matlhabaphiri Mrs. Mapine
District AIDS Coordinator: Francistown Assistant Minister of Health Barclays Bank of Botswana: Francistown

WORDS SHARED
T
he 2008/9 Miss HIV Stigma Free Death due to HIV and AIDS and related Honorable Matlhabaphiri took a moment to
kicked off at the Tati River Lodge, diseases has dropped significantly due to congratulate CEYOHO on winning the
City of Francistown on the 5th of holistic approach and synergy of Initiative Africa Award. On a personal note
December. The guests and the contestants programs.' He declared, 'today CEYOHO he mentioned that he has learnt that there is
were welcome to battle field of twelve supported by government has made life after HIV diagnosis from people such as
stigma thwarting queens by District AIDS strides especially amongst the youth living the contestants of this pageant. 'These
Coordinator , Ms. Mpho Mokoti. with HIV and AIDS. Support structures and contestants are no different from us. I look at
programs under CEYOHO provide a them as ordinary human beings, like me and
Thereafter the Honorable Assistant platform for networking among youth you' he told the attendants. 'Knowing one's
M i n i s t e r of H e a l t h M r. G . U. S . living with HIV and AIDS.' status can only make you live better with
Matlhabaphiri gave a keynote address. He yourself and I encourage you, especially the
started off by reminding those in He sadly noted that fear and lack of trust youth, to test and know your status.
attendance that they are gathered to fight has made HIV a secretive disease. And with Knowledge is power and such power can
a common enemy stigma, a result of 'fear hope he stressed that an initiative such as only inform better choices for progressive
bestowed upon us by HIV.' He mentioned this pageant helps to improve acceptance living, nothing else' he concluded.
that the government welcomes and is in our society and that our nation has learnt
committed to supporting the initiatives more from brave men and women who Mrs. Mapine of the Barclays Bank then gave
such as Ms HIV Stigma free for the purpose stood against the strong tide of stigma and closing remarks in which she mentioned the
they serve. 'They bring about the disclosed their status publicly. He pointed great partnership Barclays and CEYOHO
acceptance of one another despite the out that little as it may seem these have enjoyed over the years. Together they
disease one has. It helps fight the scourge individuals have enabled through courage have seen the Miss HIV Stigma Free grow
which has taken away our loved ones. We many others to access government from an infant to a responsible citizen she is
are all affected and the evidence points treatment initiatives such as ARV and today!
towards effective progress in our PMTCT.
concerted efforts.

our nation has
learnt more from
brave men and women
who stood against
the strong
Mr. Ramontsho
Master of Ceremony tide of stigma Maria Motse
Miss HIV Stigma Free 2007/8
Men Sector Fransitown


TRIBUTE

paying
homage
TO CYNTHIA LESHOMO
A Remarkable Queen Miss HIV Stigma Free 2005

I
am taken back to the week after her
crowning, I had just gotten into town and I Her name is
gave her a congratulatory call. I am sure written in many’s
that the world knows that she deserved it.
The Cynthia I knew was beautiful, self hearts through
driven, intelligent, funny and very confident. the energy
I first met Cynthia when she began working she gave in
as a PA to the Director at the Coping Center
for PLWHAs in Gaborone, though you could
serving
Cynthia Leshomo tell from the beginning that she was not a
Miss Stigma Free 2005 shy person, she pretended she was or It was imperative that I give her that
maybe she just had issues to deal with. congratulatory call, I asked her if she would
go for lunch with me but in her true manner
I believe Cynthia was ready to explode for she simply said, “I do not dine with the likes
when she disclosed her status to me, she of you, I am a popular and in-demand queen
didn't even know that I was a certified now my dear.” Of course it was her way of
counselor, she didn't even take caution of apologizing since she was now swamped in
where we were, she just wanted to tell interviews from the world over. I knew then
someone about her life, now that was the that she was going to be a Miss Stigma Free
Cynthia I grew to know and cherish over the queen to be reckoned with.
years we were workmates.
I still go into the internet now to browse for
Cynthia was not shy to share her life changes what I have titled the Cynthia network. Our
with everyone and anyone who had an ear to Cynthia had dreams even from the very
listen, people talked, but Cynthia did not beginning, she wanted to make her mark in
care. And talking about her beauty, she was the field. I remember that before she went
our queen of elegance, an inspiration to the public with her status, she had this anxiety
women of the world, especially women that made her believe that certain people
living with HIV and AIDS. I mention AIDS did not want her to go public. That those
because even in her adherence life Cynthia people feared that should she go public, she
had faults that would impact greatly on her would make a mark far greater than theirs.
health, some she encountered deliberately Cynthia as I knew her. She did go public and
whilst some I sincerely believe were through by God, the world was ready for her, I believe
no fault of hers. I remember when she had that because soon after her crowning she
first been hospitalized; coming back to work started touching lives within and beyond
after months of uncertainty in the hospital our borders.
she would tease the world and say that
people did not check on her because they To this day, I still hope and pray that anyone
believed that she was dying of AIDS. Cynthia who has ever been in contact with Cynthia
as I knew her! With her frail figure, her realizes just what a gem we have lost. I could
Truworths pants and innocently skimpy top say so much about Cynthia but space does
as well as tenderly glossed lips, she would not allow.
be looking beautiful as ever and as usual,
she would still be joking for the world. Cynthia, the world you graced misses you
dear. Hope you find your peace!


COMMUNITY

Dikgosi
AS PARTNERS IN
FIGHTING HIV/AIDS STIGMA
I
n Botswana Dikgosi (Chiefs) are the

B
otswana has been graping with the
issue of HIV/AIDS for over twenty years major gate keepers of their communities
now. Though a lot has been achieved and command a lot of respect and
over the years, HIV/AIDS still remains a major influence which can be used to address
socio-economic threat to Botswana as a factors influencing the spread of HIV such as
country. This state of affairs calls for new culture, gender, sexuality and domestic
innovative approaches in addressing the violence. BONASO therefore identified
scourge of HIV/AIDS. Chiefs as credible and influential partners
because besides their influence they also
have unlimited access to their people

O
ne African wise man once said, “The
HIV problem is in the community and through numerous platforms that their work
so is its solution”. In accordance with and duties present.
this saying the Botswana Network of AIDS
Service Organizations (BONASO) ventured
into a new innovative approach to HIV/AIDS
programming through mutual partnerships
with communities.
t hey mediate at Kgotlas, address
meetings, and get opportunities to
speak at public gatherings both
official and social. This scenario presents a
very potent opportunity for Chiefs to play a
vital role as agents of behaviour change in
their community. It is on the basis of this state
the HIV problem is of affairs that BONASO in collation with
African Council of AIDS Service

in the community and Organizations. (AFRICASO) developed and
implemented a series of workshops
designed to equip Chiefs with knowledge
so is its solution and avail a forum for them to come up wit
practical and viable plans of what they can do
as Chiefs to effect behaviour change within
there communities.

Tribal Leadership Workshop


EMERGING ISSTES

Culture
t he concept of culture
was introduced using
the symbol of a knife, it
can be put to both positive use
like cutting meet for dinner or
With this understanding in
the backdrop, participants
went into small groups to
critically explore culture and
identify aspects of culture
that can influence the
spread of HIV and those
that can curb the spread
of HIV.

killing a person.

ASPECTS THAT INFLUENCE THE SPREAD OF HIV ASPECTS THAT CAN CURB THE SPREAD OF HIV

Tswana idioms such as Monna ke selepe o a adimawa Taboos which forbids sex before marriage
meaning a man, like an axe can be shared.
The concept of Botho which advocates for mutual
The concept of Small House respect, dignity and responsible behaviour.
Cultural practices such as Seantlo where a relative especially Traditional songs that promote good behaviour
the brother can inherit the wife of a deceased brother.
Polygamy
Sharing of razor blades at the traditional doctor
Unhygienic and risky initiation practices

An Example of Proposed Activities and Goal By Chiefs
1. Community consultative meeting to report about the workshop and get input from
community on the action plan

2. As Chiefs we are given an opportunity to address gathering at meetings, wedding,
funerals and celebrations. these opportunities will be utilize to address various issues
from the workshop such as Gender, traditional/cultural practices which may influence
the spread of HIV. ten minutes or so will be dedicated to one of the topics at a time

3. To integrate HIV/AIDS education, Gender, Cultural aspects which influences the spread
of HIV, and Domestic Violence within the activities of all committees to which we belong
as ex-officio members.

3. to hold community consultative meetings and workshops to address the above mentioned
topics from time to time.

REIGNING QUEEN

’08 Queen thobolo
tshebetso
tshebetso thobolo
walking that
I
am delighted to have won the Miss HIV I pledge to work tirelessly during my reign.
Stigma Free. I was competing against
very string and determined beautiful
To me this is not just a crown it is a platform
for service, a chance for a voice to be heard, ramp was
ladies. I feel we are all winners because we
all had the courage to walk the ramp and
a moment for work to be done and a vehicle
to transport life saving information. Our
announcing our
show everyone that being HIV positive is efforts and those of many others in this presence to the
not a disability. We were not just in a
competition, walking that ramp was
fight are at this point in time pinned on me
through this simple and beautiful crown.
nation and our
announcing our presence to the nations Wearing this crown is symbolic to wearing communities
and our communities that we are ready to
serve them. To me every time I took to the
the hopes of the women I took to the ramp
with today. that we are
ramp I was like I was walking all over the ready to serve
stigma. When I was diagnosed with HIV in 2001
during the pregnancy of my second child them
Winning this pageant is both an easy and the world came crumbling on me. Here I
challenging thing. It is an easy task for me was 3 months pregnant with a possibility of
because I become a queen when many bring to earth an HIV positive life, innocent
great others have done a great job while but disadvantaged by me. It was not easy to
they were queens. I simply will be standing accept my status but I soldiered on and
on the shoulders of those who came before gave birth to an HIV negative baby. It was
me. I do not need to explain in many words the greatest joy of my life. I went for
as to what the role of Miss HIV Stigma Free rigorous counseling sessions at COCEPWA
is because they did with their dedication and gradually started to disclose my status
and commitment. to family over time and they are very
supportive. My partner abandoned me
All I have to do is carry on with the good upon knowing my status. I don't blame him
work and that is where the challenge it's the stigma I blame. He has stayed with
begins. I am taking the baton from the hard me when we both had other diseases and
working Mariah Motse and it is not easy to infections but went away when HIV came.
fill those shoes. Great as she is I do not only But HIV is something we can not run away
have to feel her shoes but of many others from we simply have to face it and live with
like Regina Lesole and Cynthia Leshomo it.
(may her soul rest in peace). This is a great
challenge but believe me I am up to the I am currently on ARV treatment. I have had
task. I simply can not let these great women my fair share of side effects but eventually I
and those I was competing with down. and ARVs agreed that this is a marriage
without divorce not matter what
I recieve this crown with great honor and I differences we might have. Having
dedicate it to those who have dedicated received a lot of public stigma I decided to
their lives to the fight against HIV in our amass courage and enter for the pageant to
country. Like (former) President Rre Mogae let them know stigma is not taking me
said, the war is on and victory is the only down and specifically to win and get an Tshebetso Thobolo
option. opportunity to educate them. Miss HIV Stigma Free 2008


WHO IS WHO

the pageant in pictures

1

2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

10 11 12

1. Herero attire by the contestants from Maun 2. Contestants first appearance 3, What is an event without traditional tunes?
4.Programme Manager - BONASO 5. Top Table - Hon. Matlhabaphiri and guests. 6. Contestants go traditional
7. Tlokweng DMSAC Coordinator giving moral support. 8. Basha- Mupeli is all smiles, the beauties are doing it. 9. The Kings were there too, mutual support
10. Mmino ko thekeng 11. It's a tough one, the judges watch carefully 12. Finally the queen is found.

16

help
fight
stigma

its not my hiv status
that hurts, it is
what you say & do to
me just because i am
hiv positive!

THE OTHER VOICE

just a virus
just a disease
Extract from Witness to AIDS; -a book written by Justice Edwin Cameroon
Justice Edwin Cameron
Justice/Author/AIDS Activist

A
IDS is a disease. It is an infection, a AIDS is therefore a manageable condition. Where life-saving treatment is available to
syndrome, an illness, a disorder, a The drugs that disable viral replication the patient, it may be the doctor's duty to
condition threatening to human exist, in ample number and manifold push the patient gently to agree to be
life. It is an epidemic a social crisis, an combinations. They are capable of being tested.
economic catastrophe, a political produced cheaply. What prevents their
challenge, a human disaster. AIDS is inexpensive production and ready In Botswana, South Africa's land-locked
known. It has been analyzed assessed distribution is in the first instance laws, neighbor, President Festus Mogae's
assayed tested measured surveyed national and international, that protect the government in 2001 announced a far-
considered reflected documented exclusive rights of the corporations that seeing national plan to provide
depicted exhaustively described. Its virus have intellectual property title (patent antiretroviral treatment through the
is primal particular sub-cellular mutant rights) to them. public health service to everyone with
enveloped nitrogenous. Our knowledge of AIDS. But, as the death toll from AIDS
it is clear and precise. But the disease is Death from AIDS is lingering, painful, and continued to climb, poor enlistment
also unknown. It is guessed estimated (particularly in resource-poor settings) baffled government health planners. So
projected approximated sketched very short of dignity. And because AIDS is a from January 2004, the Botswana
debated disputed controverted hidden syndrome of disparate diseases because government announced that unless
obscured. Still, it is mere fact: an event, a unlike cancer or ailments of the circulatory patients at public health facilities actively
circumstance, a happening, a reality as system or heart it does not strike efficiently declined to be tested for HIV, the test
present as the ocean or the moon. at a single vital organ, but allows wasting would be routinely administered.
disorders gradually to wrack the body as a
AIDS is mouth and tongue and scar and whole and because most of those with Some of my activist friends felt dubious
nerve and eye and brain and skin and tum AIDS are young adults whose bodies are about the change. I differed. Provided that
and gut. AIDS is smell and feel of sweat otherwise still relatively strong, death from treatment is available, with guarantees of
and grime and snot and breath and bowel AIDS is almost invariably a ghastly, drawn- confidentiality and against discrimination,
and secretion, discharge, pus, out event. I thought and still think that testing is more
putrescence, disintegration, excrement, often than not necessary, and beneficial. It
waste. Human waste. AIDS is feeling Perhaps worse than many of its other is better that health workers trying to be
painful sharp tingling burning heavy dull features, more puzzling, less tractable, and true to their calling of beneficence should
weakening wasting enervating besides complicating everything else, AIDS nudge patients who may need treatment
diminishing destroying bereaving. AIDS is is also shame. Shame the humiliation or towards the HIV test than that they allow
fear. It is breathless and nameless. distress that arises from self-knowledge of patients to return home, trapped by fear
dishonor or offence or impropriety or and stigma, untested, to add to the
AIDS is stigma disgrace discrimination indecency. epidemic's already appalling toll of
hatred hardship abandonment isolation unnecessary deaths.
exclusion prohibition persecution poverty Alone in my car on the way home I operated
privation. the controls as if for the first time, the By contrast, where no treatment is
steering wheel unfamiliar beneath my available as in the bleak 1980s, and as is
AIDS is metaphor. It is a threat, a tragedy, a palms. The silence around me seemed still the case through most of Africa
blight, a blot, a scar, a stain, a plague, a intense. All the organs through which I was testing may do little more than expose
scourge, a pestilence, a demon killer breathing had suddenly been fixed with an those who prove positive to stigma,
rampant rampaging murderer. It is made unspecified but surely imminent term ostracism and discrimination. And without
moral. It is condemnation deterrence date. proper support (including counseling) an
retribution punishment, a sin a lesson a unpresaged HIV positive test result is
curse rebuke judgment. It is a disease. The shock was double. Apart from the blow almost always damagingly counter-
of learning that I was infected, most productive.
The most signally important thing about immediately I felt as though I had
AIDS is a hopeful fact that it can now be experienced a stunning bereavement the There is no doubt that many people
medically managed. When the virus's impending loss of my own life. I was thirty- thought and still think of those with AIDS
replication within the human body is three, building my career. In the more or HIV as contaminated with a vile, self-
disabled, its effects become remediable. promising days of treatment access, these induced affliction. But all too many
Drug treatment can now stop viral norms are swiftly changing, and rightly so. sufferers are painfully conditioned into
replication. also thinking that way about themselves.


THE OTHER VOICE

just a virus just a disease
Workers are sacked. Spouses are shut out. [Despite availability of treatment] many of
Friends are abandoned. Services, help and them most still, it would seem are deeply
support are refused. What is perhaps most reluctant to do so. This, my hosts told me, is
poignant and most impenetrable about because they fear they will be identified as
stigma is that some of its impact seems to having AIDS. So they postpone it for as long
originate from within. The external as possible. They fall sick first. Even then
manifestations find an ally within the they delay. They eventually go and stand in
minds of many people with HIV or AIDS. the clinic's queues. But mostly they do so
Stigma's irrational force springs not only only when they are approaching the point
from the prejudiced, bigoted, fearful of death.
reactions others have to AIDS it lies in the
fears and self-loathing, the self- This led the Botswana government to
undermining and ultimately self- introduce a radical re-think of HIV testing
destroying inner sense of self-blame that policies. This change of policy, against the
all too many people with AIDS or HIV background of the offer of real treatment
experience themselves.It is the options, helps patients too fearful to
combination of these two forces investing confront their own HIV to be given
AIDS stigma that renders its effects so treatment. Unless prompted, as in my own
Looking back on the problem I powerful and so destructive. case, they all too easily postpone,
experienced in not being able to talk with prevaricate, suppress, deny. In dwindling
my human rights lawyer colleagues, I see In his national address in 2001 President hope and growing fear, they rationalize the
all too clearly that it emanated partly from Mogae made a breakthrough symptoms they experience, dreading the
within me. At some inaccessible, a n n o u n c e m e n t . To g e t h e r w i t h diagnosis they fear they will eventually get.
impenetrable level even while international drug companies and the Bill In some horrifically constrained sense,
challenging injustice against people with and Melinda Gates Foundation, his they are 'choosing' to die, rather than face
AIDS in the courts and on committees and government would offer treatment with the stigma of AIDS and find treatment.
on public platforms I was still struggling life-saving drugs to every citizen with AIDS. Illness and the attendant risk of death feel
with an overwhelming inner sense of It was a visionary and far-reaching less horrific to them than the stigma of
shame. In some indefinable sense that I commitment. It set a bold standard that having AIDS. That sense is internally, and
grappled to surmount, I felt that my other countries in Africa have now begun to not only externally, fuelled by the shame
infection showed that I had acted follow (in May 2004, Malawi, one of Africa's that many people with AIDS or HIV feel
shamefully, dishonorably, so as to bring poorest countries, announced its own about their own condition.
not only death but disgrace upon myself. $196 million programme to distribute free
antiretroviral treatment to all who need it). Why does sex leave shame? Perhaps it lies
My colleagues were all committed of in the embarrassment that arises from
course to justice and fairness and The Botswana government's pioneering exposure of what one thought was utterly
nondiscrimination. But I confided in none commitment was widely known private and intimate. Perhaps to admit to
of them. I could take no risks. Nor could I throughout the country. Yet takers were having a sexually transmitted infection is
permit myself the comfort of connection. initially perilously few. One survey to be caught out in an act of sexual
In dealing with clients and plotting public suggests that to stay alive and well more intimacy, with all its attendant
interest litigation challenges we than 100 000 people in Botswana need the embarrassment and shame. Perhaps in our
developed close camaraderie and even drugs without delay. Yet by late 2003 only deepest selves we feel that a sexually
friendship. But I could no more tell them about 15 000 people perhaps fewer had transmitted infection shows others that we
that I had HIV than seek solace by come forward to accept the free have been 'caught out'. The infection
confiding that I had molested one of their medication. Why? I asked my hosts this leaves a mark, a stain, a print, linking us
children or pets. That was how deep, how question in June 2003, when I joined back to an act so private, so intimate, so
powerful, how repulsive my condition Botswana judges and business, civic and sacrosanct, so emotionally and spiritually
seemed to me. Perhaps you think my government leaders at an AIDS awareness unguarded the moment of sexual coupling
reactions excessively subjective, or the meeting in Gaborone. President Festus that its external manifestation in an illness,
comparisons overstated. But powerfully Mogae had originally agreed to come, but its exposure to the world, is deeply
irrational responses to AIDS overshadow was called away to a United Nations embarrassing and therefore shameful.
the epidemic even today. For stigma a meeting in New York. He sent a well-liked Perhaps we still regard ourselves as guilty
social brand that marks disgrace, and senior cabinet minister instead. She of some sort of sin of sexual contamination,
humiliation and rejection remains the read his letter of apology. It had the ring of as marked by moral inferiority, by an
most ineluctable, indefinable, intractable personal authorship. uncleanness or exposure of body, and
problem in the epidemic. hence a sense of moral inferiority. Some
My Botswana hosts gave me a one-word religious moralists inflame all this. They
Stigma is perhaps the greatest dread of answer to my question: stigma. People are forget that AIDS is a disease. We all do.
those who live with AIDS and HIV greater too scared too ashamed to come forward Most HIV positive people die of stigma and
to many even than the fear of a and claim what their government is now fear. Surrounded by fear and uncertainty,
disfiguring, agonizing and protracted affording them as their right: the right to they make themselves inaccessible to help.
death. Stigma manifests itself in hatred, treatment, the right to stay well, the right to They are scared of stigma.
discrimination, rejection, exclusion. stay alive.


STAKEHOLDER VOICE

stigma
discrimination
and
in the workplace
B
otswana has ratified international W h i l s t t h e n u m b e r of c a s e s t h e That was the only explanation proffered.
and regional instruments which organization has handled is significant in Modukanele with the help of BONELA
guarantee human rights protections. its own right, it would not be presumptuous approached the courts seeking help. First the
Despite these commendable efforts, the to assume that there are many more cases dispute was taken to a District Labour office
Botswana Network on Ethics, Law and HIV that occur but go unreported for lack of whereat the employee was given a total
and AIDS (BONELA) is concerned that the knowledge of the ability to seek redress. award of P19 979.70, which the employer
government of Botswana has not ensured Clearly, this is unsustainable. It is BONELA's refused and/ or ignored to pay. The matter
translation of these instruments into the view that this status quo can be remedied was then referred to the Industrial Court, and
local context. and that such remedial action can only be the said court awarded him a total sum of P24
provided through enactment of the much 425.85. The breakdown of this amount is as
International instruments are not binding needed HIV Employment Law. follows: (6 months salary as compensation
as long as the Bill of Rights does not cater for unfair dismissal =P10 800.00, unlawfully
for them being automatically adopted into As a case in point, in Agust 2008, BONELA withheld accrued leave pay = P192.40,
local law. This puts emphasis on the need re p re s e n t e d 4 9 ye a r o l d B e n s o n overtime = P13 433.45) the Industrial Court
for a sustainable response to HIV and AIDS Modukanele, who was then employed by handed out a heavy judgment against an
incorporating enactment of enabling HITECON, a Chinese construction company, employer who discriminated against an
legislation on HIV/AIDS to eliminate as a Driver. Mr. Modukanele started working employee who revealed his HIV status to the
human rights violations. Essentially, a th
for the said company from the 15 February said employer.
sustainable response cannot hinge on 2007 at a monthly salary of P1 800.00. He
provision of treatment alone, but has to be was later diagnosed with HIV and decided
accompanied by the respect of human to tell his employer, through its owner Mr. T h e S o u t h e r n A f r i c a D eve l o p m e n t
dignity and assurance for those living with Hu Zhongwen with the hope that he will Community (SADC) has already set the pace
HIV/AIDS, that they will not be victims of treat the information maturely, sensitively through the adoption of the SADC Regional
violations of their rights. and with understanding. Instead, the latter Model Law on HIV and AIDS which was
told Modukanele that he should cease to adopted by the SADC Parliamentary Forum
These violations have been evidenced by work for him as he does not want to deal during its 24th Plenary Assembly convened
the number of cases that BONELA has with employees infected with HIV. The in Arusha, Tanzania, from the 20th 27th
handled to date. In 2008 alone, BONELA's employee tried in vain to impress upon the November 2008. BONELA is proud to have
legal clinic handled 50 court cases of employer that he is fit and able to perform been one of the leading organizations in
which 30 have been settled out of court optimally. In the end, he was fired on the 8
th drafting this document. It is hoped that this
and some are still in progress. The cases of October 2007 without any reason. In development will prompt countries such as
highlight human rights abuses such as fact, the employer gave him a handwritten Botswana which are lagging behind in
unfair dismissal, stigma, discrimination, note saying “we do not need your service enacting laws to safeguard people living with
wrong HIV diagnosis, denied access to for the future”. HIV and AIDS from human rights violations.
tests and deportation in a specific case.


Stigma Reduction
Community Outreach
PLWA Support Services
PLWA Advocacy Issues
Positive Living Sessions
HIV Prevention & Health skills

STAKEHOLDER VOICE

stigma!
broader perspective "Stigma remains the single most important barrier to public action. It is a main reason why too
many people are afraid to see a doctor to determine whether they have the disease, or to seek
treatment if so. It helps make AIDS the silent killer, because people fear the social disgrace of
speaking about it, or taking easily available precautions. Stigma is a chief reason why the AIDS
epidemic continues to devastate societies around the world"
-UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon

A
IDS-related stigma refers to the AIDS-related stigma is not static. It changes In the workplace, PLWHA may suffer stigma
prejudice and discrimination over time as infection levels, knowledge of from their co-workers and employers, such as
directed at people living with the disease and treatment availability vary. social isolation and ridicule, or experience
HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), and the groups and A study of 1,268 adults in Botswana found discriminatory practices, such as termination
communities that they are associated with. that stigmatising attitudes had lessened or refusal of employment. Fear of an
It can result in people living with HIV/AIDS three years after the national programme employer's reaction can cause a person living
being rejected from their community, providing universal access to antiretroviral with HIV anxiety.
shunned, discriminated against or even treatment was introduced. The study
physically hurt. concluded that although antiretroviral
therapy access may be a factor in reducing Community-level stigma and discrimination
stigma, it does not eliminate stigma can manifest as ostracism, rejection and
AIDS stigma and discrimination have been altogether and does not lessen the fear of verbal and physical abuse. In extreme
seen all over the world, although they stigma amongst HIV positive people. circumstances it has extended to acts of
manifest themselves differently between violence and murder. AIDS related murders
countries, communities, religious groups have been reported in countries as diverse as
and individuals. They are often seen The epidemic of fear, stigmatization and Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, South Africa
alongside other forms of stigma and discrimination has undermined the ability and Thailand. In December 1998, Gugu
discrimination, such as racism, of individuals, families and societies to Dlamini was stoned and beaten to death by
homophobia or misogyny and can be protect themselves and provide support neighbours in her township near Durban,
a ss o c i a t e d w i t h b e h a v i o r s o f t e n and reassurance to those affected. This South Africa, after speaking openly on World
considered socially unacceptable such as hinders, in no small way, efforts at stemming AIDS Day about her HIV status.
prostitution. the epidemic. It complicates decisions
about testing, disclosure of status, and
ability to negotiate prevention behaviours, HIV-related stigma and discrimination
Stigma directed at PLWHA not only makes it including use of family planning services. severely hamper efforts to effectively fighting
more difficult for people trying to come to the HIV and AIDS epidemic. Fear of
terms with and manage their illness on a AIDS-related stigma has had a profound discrimination often prevents people from
personal level, but it also interferes with effect on the epidemic's course. The WHO seeking treatment for AIDS or from admitting
attempts to fight the AIDS epidemic as a cites fear of stigma and discrimination as their HIV status publicly. People with (or
whole. On a national level, the stigma the main reason why people are reluctant to suspected of having) HIV may be turned away
associated with HIV can deter governments be tested, to disclose HIV status or to take from healthcare services and employment, or
from taking fast, effective action against antiretroviral drugs. These factors all refused entry to a foreign country. Denial
the epidemic, whilst on a personal level it contribute to the expansion of the epidemic goes hand in hand with discrimination, with
can make individuals reluctant to access and a higher number of AIDS-related many people continuing to deny that HIV
HIV testing, treatment and care. deaths. An unwillingness to take an HIV test exists in their communities. Today, HIV/AIDS
means that more people are diagnosed late, threatens the welfare and wellbeing of
when the virus has already progressed to people throughout the world. At the end of
Fear of contagion coupled with negative, the year 2007, 33 million people were living
AIDS, making treatment less effective and
value-based assumptions about people with HIV and during the year 2 million died
causing early death. Some of these
who are infected leads to high levels of from AIDS-related illness. Combating stigma
consequences refer to 'internal stigma' or
stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. It is difficult and discrimination against people who are
'self-stigma'. Internal stigma refers to how
to talk about HIV/AIDS-related stigma as a affected by HIV/AIDS is vital in the process of
someone with HIV thinks about themselves
singular phenomenon, as attitudes preventing and controlling the global
and how they believe that the public
towards the epidemic and those affected epidemic.
perceives someone with HIV. People living
vary massively. Even within one country
with HIV/AIDS may impose stigmatizing
reactions to HIV/AIDS will vary between
beliefs and actions on themselves.
different groups of people and individuals.
Religion, gender, sexuality, age and levels
of AIDS education can all affect how
somebody feels about the disease.

MISS HIV STIGMA FREE MAG REPORT

22

FEATURE

“I saw a sight I will never forget in my life,
my face was swollen and dark, my eyes red
and to me that was clear AIDS.”

Regina Lesole
heartfelt my story, my journey!
Miss HIV Stigma Free 2006

...a
A
fter secretly living with my HIV I looked at myself in the mirror and I saw a
positive status for six years, it was in sight I will never forget in my life, my face
September 2006 that I decided to
break the silence and entered for the Miss
was swollen and dark, my eyes red and to
me that was clear AIDS. Self-stigmatization perception
Stigma Free Beauty Pageant. The pageant is
a spectacle of beautiful HIV positive ladies
who showcase not only their beauty but
became my greatest alliance. I believed
everyone was laughing at me. Slowly but
surely I could feel suffocated by the
that people
knowledge, determination and boldness.
My determination and support from my
fabrications of my confused mind. They
negative thoughts were leading me to self
go public for
family and colleagues saw me through to
the final where I scooped the title among
destruction. Fortunately I came across
Helen Ditsebe Mhone, an activist and a financial
gain.
other fifteen beautiful ladies. mother who helped me pull through and
showed me that I should not be part of the
th
I am Reginah, 42 years old, born January 18 problem, but part of the solution and I took
1967, a distinct Capricorn. I am a her word
very strong woman who has been seriously, that
through more than her fair share
of tough times. With a failed self is how my
commitment
I also mobilized testing in all the branches
in Gaborone for Barclays and FNB
marriage and a blessing of three
children, two boys and a girl, I
stigmatization to HIV and
AIDS issues
employees through motivational talks.
During my reign my main focus was on the
decided to move on as a single
mother who works very hard to
became my started. work place but extended to the
community. I am naturally a people's
make sure her children are happy. greatest I attended person so I never had problems with
people where I went including schools
I supplement my salary with some
beadwork sales, a skill I acquired alliance. empowermen
t workshops where students treated me like a real hero.
in my adult years. that built my A lot of people made me feel good and I
strength. I appreciate that. There is always a negative
My world harshly came crushing on me began attending international conferences side in life so there were times when I
during my final year at the University of where I made presentations representing came across people who felt I was wrong
Botswana where I was studying for my my country. After winning the title I to go public about my status because I am
Bachelor of Education Degree in 2000. I was traveled to Germany to attend “generation educated and have a job, so I took it a
in an abusive marriage and I only found AIDS conference” as an ambassador for perception that people go public for
peace was when I was at school. I was positive living. It was a wonderful financial gain. There is no money involved
nearing the completion on my studies and experience that made me grow even as far as this title is involved; instead there
beginning to realize that I am just going further. are times when you have to even spend
back to the same hell house. I approached a from your pocket to reach your goals.
counselor and poured my heart unto her. When I won the title I was working for
Soon I all the advice she gave was gone with Tebelopele as a counselor and the As far as relationships are concerned I am a
the wind and I moved on with my life. One organization gave me all the support. I was failure, because I love too much and give
day in October 2000, I was passing even transferred to Gaborone to enable me too much, people end up taking advantage
Tebelopele centre in the main mall and to carry out my activities as the reigning of me. The male species does not
decided just to get in and test. I was queen in 2006/7. Barclays Bank pledged appreciate the good lover I am and thus
confident that I was negative because to me P50 000 for my activities during my reign tend to punish me instead, maybe God
HIV was for promiscuous people and I was and I organized a campaign in Tlokweng wants me to focus on helping the
not that type. I left the counseling room where there was mobilization, education, community and that is what I will do, so for
feeling like a “zombie”. Instead of taking a entertainment and HIV testing for a whole now, my love life is on halt until the
combi to Broadhurst I thought it was faster week. That week a total of 380 people in Almighty presents me with my soul mate.
to walk. I believed I my legs could carry Tlokweng tested. I also sensitized the
faster to home than a vehicle would. All I community through radio talk shows and To the world I would like to say, it is wiser to
wanted was to hide myself in my room. I public speaking in different parts of the know and deal with your HIV status now for
could not believe my results. country. a good Philosopher once said,


THE PAGEANT

Miss HIV Stigma Free Entry
Requirements and Selection Criteria
Participants of this contest will not be legible to participate in this competition for more than
three(3) consecutive times
The Miss HIV Stigma Free pageant winner will not be legible to participate in this pageant for the
second time
The 1st and 2nd Miss HIV Stigma Free winners will be legible to participate for the second time.
st nd

This competition is ONLY open to women living with HIV and AIDS and must have disclosed their HIV
positive status at least 90days before the pageant.
Participants should be aged between 18 and 35years old.
Participants must be actively involved in community HIV and AIDS related activities and will be
expected to continue doing so after the competition.
The Miss HIV Stigma Free winner together with the 1st and 2nd Princesses will enter into a twelve(12)
st nd

months signed contract with CEYOHO.

Objectives of Miss HIV Stigma Free
To help fight stigma through greater involvement and empowerment of people living with HIV & AIDS
To combat HIV and AIDS through promotion of visibility of people living with HIV and AIDS
To provide a role model for positive living
To help advocate for the rights of people living with HIV and AIDS
To help identify positive ambassadors in the community

If you wish to participate, sponsor or volunteer in Miss HIV Stigma Free Pageant
please contact:
Centre for Youth of Hope Tel/Fax : (+267) 3919958
P O. Box 25211
. Tel : (+267) 3167412
Gaborone, Botswana Cell : (+267) 71763659
Plot 20054, Gaborone West Phase II E-mail : ceyoho@botsnet.bw

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