Seeking justice at the frontlines of the AIDS crisis
Discrimination and inequality place a heavy burden on the African grandmothers who are struggling to support communities devastated by HIV and AIDS. African grandmothers deserve better—they deserve justice. On September 7, 2013, the Stephen Lewis Foundation hosted a people’s tribunal to shine a public light on the denial of their human rights, and to issue a call for action.
Six grandmothers from across sub-Saharan Africa presented their personal testimonies before the Tribunal’s judges: Theo Sowa, Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, Joy Phumaphi and Gloria Steinem.
The grandmothers spoke about the most pressing issues they face, such as property grabbing, loss of housing, sexual violence, and food and income insecurity. Based on their testimonies, the Tribunal will chart a new path forward for advancing African grandmothers’ rights.
