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Background
Tesfa Hiwot HIV Positive Women Association of Tigray (THHPWAT) is an indigenous NGO established in May 13, 2004 G.C. by voluntary women who have the virus on their blood in cooperation with GOs & NGOs. with a recognition of regional justice Bureau and officially re-registered according to the Ethiopian Civil Society proclamations 1113/2019. With registration number of 1398. THHPWAT is the only Positive Women's Association in the region to work with HIV Positives and their families, stimulated by HIV Positive Members. Tesfa Hiwot addresses the needs of HIV positive women, children and their families in order to minimize the adverse effects of HIV, fight stigma and discrimination, improve reproductive health conditions, provide support and training, promote income-generating activities (IGAs),
and advocate for the eradication of gender-based violence (GBV) and the achievement of gender equality. Since its establishment, THHPWAT has accumulated a wide range of experiences from the diversified programs and projects it implemented. THHPWAT has worked with different donors and partners, like NNPWE, Project Hope, USAID project, Global Fund, ViiV, PEPFAR Ethiopia, FON and others regional and international NGOs THHPWAT has to be guided by strategic plan that provides a roadmap that guides the overall activities of the organization and its member organizations. Yet, making a strategic choice is not easy task as it requires an in-depth analysis of so many things which include, but not limited to, careful organizational scanning, external environmental analysis, mission validation, vision articulation and defining right strategies that translate the long-term vision.
Vision and Mission
Vision
We seek to see a region where all individuals, especially PLHIV women, girls and children, can live a life of dignity and respect, empowered, free from discrimination and violence by creating a society without gender-based violence and free from all forms of stigma and discrimination.
Mission
The mission of our Association is to empower PLHIV women, raise awareness about gender-based violence, provide support services, and advocate for their rights and needs. Fight HIV/AIDS and related health problems through active participation of community, Governmental and nongovernmental organizations by mobilizing local and international supports. Lead and coordinate the contribution of PLHIVs in the regional response to HIV/AIDS through networking, partnership, capacity building, resource mobilization and advocating relaying the voices of PLHIVs at all regional levels.
Focus Area
Tesfa Hiwot’s primary focuses in fighting HIV/ADIS, discrimination and stigma, empowering women in their economic status, social and economic equality to bring changes in the region using its knowledge, ideas, and experience gained through its implementation of coherent programs that draw on rights-based perspectives and gender analysis; the strong connections within and across Tesfa Hiwot members, volunteers and marginalized communities, social movements, governments, civil society, academia, the private sector, foundations, and individual and different donors, and its strong capacity for local advocacy and protection of GBV. TESFA HIWOT has also learnt and accumulated wide experience from the different trainings given by partners capacity building project in networking & advocacy and social accountability which was implemented in different woredas. Currently, partners of TESFA HIWOT are CSOs, UN agencies, INGOs, Tigray regional governmental agencies (like bureau of health, Bureau of women affairs, bureau of education) and other stakeholders that have common agendas
Tesfa Hiwot Strategic themes are designed based on the following reasons. First, Tesfa Hiwot is mandated to support and build the capacity of member organization. Second, Tesfa Hiwot as a consortium organization is responsible to contribute in rehabilitation and reconstruction of the region. Finally, Tesfa Hiwot is also responsible to include all the crosscutting matter in all programs implemented at Tesfa Hiwot. Based on the above rationales Tesfa Hiwot has formulated the following six strategic pillars.
Strategic plans
Some of the strategic plans of our organization are
Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to understand the specific challenges faced by women living with HIV within our association and in the region. This assessment should consider physical, emotional, psychological, and social factors that impact their quality of life.
Engage women living with HIV, CSO members, healthcare providers, community leaders, and other relevant stakeholders to seek their input, perspectives, and concerns. Ensure that the voices and experiences of women living with HIV are actively included in decision-making processes.
Advocate for policies that address the unique needs and rights of women living with HIV. Collaborate with local and national authorities, policymakers, and influential stakeholders to promote gender-responsive strategies and foster a supportive social environment.
Develop and implement training programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of other related CSOs and PLHIV associations, our members, the community, media, healthcare providers, and other relevant stakeholders regarding the specific needs of women living with HIV. This may include topics such as gender-sensitive approaches, stigma reduction, sexual and reproductive health and rights, mental health support, and empowerment strategies.
Establish and strengthening peer support networks and safe spaces for women living with HIV to share experiences, exchange information, and provide emotional support. Encourage the formation of support groups where women can bond, learn from each other, and feel empowered.
Ensure that women living with HIV have access to quality healthcare, treatment, counseling, psychosocial support, and sexual and reproductive health services. Collaborate with healthcare providers and relevant organizations to create a comprehensive and women-centered approach to service provision.
Develop and implement campaigns and activities aimed at reducing stigma and discrimination towards women living with HIV within both the CSO and the broader community. Organize awareness-raising events, educational workshops, and media campaigns to promote understanding and empathy.
we develop plans and strategies on income generating activities to help our members to help their family and the community by saving and credit and other IGA
Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the strategic plan. Use qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the impact of interventions, gather feedback from beneficiaries, and identify areas for improvement. Regularly review the plan in light of changing circumstances and emerging needs.
Develop a sustainable resource mobilization strategy to secure funding, support, and partnerships for sustained implementation of the strategic plan. Explore avenues such as grants, partnerships with other organizations, fundraising events, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Foster collaboration and networking with other organizations, both locally and globally, working in the field of women’s rights and HIV/AIDS. Share best practices, exchange knowledge, and participate in joint initiatives to leverage collective efforts and create a wider impact.
Projects
PEPFAR (CLM)
USAID Project
ViiV project
FON project
Global Fund
Path
PEPFAR (CLM)
The goal of PEPFAR is to support efforts to achieve HIV epidemic control through implementation of evidence-based interventions to drive progress in HIV prevention, care and treatment and ultimately, save lives. Community-led monitoring or CLM is a routinized process initiated and implemented by local HIV-positive and HIV-affected communities, community-based organizations and other civil society groups that identifies HIV service delivery successes, diagnoses problems, uses quantitative and qualitative data to overcome barriers and ensure that HIV service beneficiaries receive optimal client-centered services. It is being implemented in 8 selected health facilities of Tigray region. It mainly focuses on the following objectives Objective 1: To capture patient’s feedback (perception and satisfaction) on services available to them in HIV prevention, care, and treatment at the health facility and in the community. Objective 2: To identify strengths, gaps, stigma, and discrimination in service delivery, and provide input to develop indicators to assess services. Objective 3: To raise community awareness on their interests and individual responsibilities to have in place sustainable community-led monitoring approach. Objective 4: To monitor the quality health system service delivery. Objective 5: To advocate for change and action planning. |
USAID Project
USAIAD project (Increase PMTCT Uptake and improve the livelihood of HIV positive women in Ethiopia) |
This project was about how to improve the lowlihood of women and HIV positive women and their families and increasing the PMTCT uptake to the to decrease the vertical transmission of HIV from mother to child.
This projected was implemented in 17 weredas of Tigray region in selected kebelles of the weredas.
ViiV project
This project was about care and treatment in HIV AIDS and blood donation activities in different health facilities of Tigrai region and improving the livelihood of PLHIV |
FON project
This project focuses to empower the feminist organizations in the fight against GBV in Tigray region. Economic empowerment for women PLHIV of our members (for more than 200 HIV positive women) The objectives of the FON project are o Empower the feminist organizations in surviving difficulties like effects from war, conflict and crisis o Improve the sustainability of feminist organizations by proposing an inclusive approach to capacity building o Enhance the networking of feminist organizations and movements to fight GBV
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Global Fund
We have worked with GF for more than 15 years on
- Drug provision, care and treatment
- Follow up of lost drop
- Peer to peer discussions
- FI and NFI support
- Home to home care and visit
Path
Clinic blood test., blood donation activities, awareness creation and IGA for HIV positive women |
Partners
Latest News
Testimonials
Working as a director of THHPWAT has been an absolute privilege. The visionary team and unwavering dedication to supporting HIV positive women in Tigray are truly inspiring.
Melkea Asgedo
Director
Working as a Program coordinator of THHPWAT has been an absolute privilege. The visionary team and unwavering dedication to supporting HIV positive women in Tigray are truly inspiring.
Meles Gebre
Program coordinator
The facilitation at THHPWAT allows to create a safe and empowering environment for HIV positive women is remarkable. Through expertise and empathy, we facilitate transformative women empowerment
Dawit Bahre
Technical Assistant
The finance department at THHPWAT is exceptional. The meticulous attention to detail, financial expertise, and commitment to transparency ensure that our organization's resources are managed efficiently and effectively
Asqual Abrha
Finance and Admin Head
- Tesfa Hiwot HIV Positive Women Association of Tigray