The voice of caregivers
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Ahead of International Day of Families on 15 May, we share Violet Shivutse’s story, featured as a story of change in UN Women’s flagship report Progress of the World’s Women 2015-2016: Transforming Economies, Realizing Rights.
Violet Shivutse knows from experience that to advocate effectively women need to organize, define goals, and then insist on a place at the decision-making table.
A 47-year old farmer, Violet is the founder of Kenya’s branch of the Home-Based Care Alliance, which brings together around 30,000 caregivers across 11 African countries. The vast majority women, these carers collectively treat and care for around 200,000 friends, relatives and neighbours, many affected by HIV and AIDS.
“Our main goal … is to make sure we have a collective voice to lobby for recognition of caregivers as key players in healthcare provision and HIV and AIDS in our communities. Most of our caregivers have gone to a level where they are really recognized by senior government people” says Violet.
Read more about Violet’s story of change