By Nthokozo Gudu
Zimbabwe has launched its chapter of the STREAM Network, a new system born out of the STREAM Network created out of a 4-day meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya ,from 30 September to 3 October 2022.
In Nairobi, the Network is hosted by Positive Young Women Voices of Kenya and has launched its strategic plan for Zimbabwe in Harare this week.
STREAM Network Zimbabwe’s Board Vice Chairperson, Barnabas Muhoma goutlined the objectives of the launch.
STREAM stands for Stepping Stones Trainers Engaging with Activists Movements, it was formed in October 2022 in Nairobi ,Zimbabwe was represented by six stepping stones trainers. After the formation of STREAM in Nairobi, representatives agreed to strengthen the Stepping Stones training and facilitation in each country, hence the launch here in Zimbabwe is to share the five year strategic plan and make meaningful contribution towards achievement of National HIV strategic plan,” he said.
Addressing different stakeholders at the launch , Martha Tholanah, STREAM Network Zimbabwe Board Chairperson presented on the strategies for engagement of the organization,
“We seek to build resilience, confidence and self efficacy of people living with HIV in the face of many intertwined complex adverse challenges, and also secure our legacy status in Zimbabwe and ensure compliance within statutory frameworks, building partnerships with networks of women and men living with HIV,” she said.
She added that the Ntework also seeks to strengthen their capacity in strengthening the Stepping Stones programs for the networks of women and men living with HIV through opportunities for training of facilitators and trainers to reach out to the grassroots.
Tholanah also highlighted on the need to recognise the impact violence has on women and children through.
“We seek to uphold and maintain the SRHR of women and girls in all our communities in the context of HIV, irrespective of our HIV status, STREAM also recognizes that violence against women, and children forms a key part of children’s and Women’s vulnerability both to acquiring HIV and to living with HIV ,across the life span,” she said.
The launch also brought together different advocating movements including the Zimbabwe Young Positives its National Coordinator Janet Tatenda Bhila added that.
