Through a collaborative effort, Development Agenda for Girls and Women in Africa Network (DAWA), and My Age Zimbabwe have embarked on a transformative project funded by VIIV Healthcare to enhance the health and well-being of Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) between the ages of 15 and 24 in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe. Fifteen adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) HIV advocates were mobilized and trained in essential Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) from Mwenezi district and Masvingo rural district, focusing on HIV - related prevention and SRHR information. With mobile smartphones, these advocates enhanced their outreach and documentation capabilities, effectively mobilizing their peers across Mwenezi rural and Masvingo rural districts.
The project established a WhatsApp platform for monthly e-learning sessions, facilitating ongoing dialogue and information exchange on HIV prevention. This collaborative platform enabled the advocates to discuss barriers to accessing HIV prevention services and SRHR, generating critical insights into the challenges faced by their peers.
One crucial aspect of the project involves bridging the information gap. To address the knowledge gap surrounding HIV prevention, DAWA and My Age Zimbabwe also organized a "Simplifying the Science" dialogue to provide AGYW with clear and accessible information materials on HIV prevention methods, including PrEP, PEP, and the Dapivirine Ring. By actively engaging with these materials, AGYW emphasized the need for materials in local languages, vibrant infographics, and engaging videos, which can help them make informed decisions about their health.
Furthermore, the project has established self-care clubs led by 15 trained champions to offer a safe and supportive environment where AGYW can share experiences, provide peer support, and learn about HIV prevention. The 44 AGYW currently participating in these clubs serve as valuable resources in their communities, promoting HIV self-care and empowering others to take ownership of their health.
To add on, My Age Zimbabwe and DAWA conducted community dialogues that engaged 67 AGYW, who shared their experiences and recommendations concerning HIV prevention. These dialogues uncovered significant gaps, including limited access to comprehensive sexuality education, ineffective parent-child communication, and stigma associated with living with HIV. The insights gained have been pivotal in shaping advocacy strategies, leading to the development of four theater scripts utilized in performances that have reached 477 community members, equipping them with vital information to support AGYW in HIV prevention. Moreover, this project has created a platform for girls to engage in key decision-making processes at both local and national levels, with two girls participating in a provincial stakeholders meeting and one attending the My Age Zimbabwe Adolescents Health and Well-Being Symposium.
By providing comprehensive information, building a movement of empowered AGYW, and combatting stigma and inequalities, this project aims to reduce new HIV infections and promote positive health outcomes for AGYW. The initiative aligns with global efforts to ensure that all AGYW have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to protect themselves from HIV and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.