Preventing HIV/AIDS through Microeconomic DevelopmentKate Jongbloed, Hon. BA International Development Studies

katejongbloed@gmail.com

Full article available: http://unpackingdevelopment.com/?page_id=48

ENVIRONMENT OF RISK

Source: Simmons, Janie, Paul Farmer, and Brooke Schoepf. 1996. A global perspective. In Women poverty and AIDS: Sex drugs and structural violence. Maine: Common Courage Press.

Defining the Environment of HIV Risk

Poverty and marginalization create obstacles to acting on HIV knowledge.

Microeconomic development is seen as a tool to tackle the environment of risk.

ENVIRONMENT OF RISK

using sex to meet basic needs

stigma

low self esteem

Environment of HIV riskpower in relationships

social isolation agency

Can we fight HIV/ AIDS by reducing the environment of risk?

Case Study: Safe Livelihoods for Youth in AIDS-Orphaned Families

Funded by CAPAIDSEthiopia and Uganda2006-20084 Local implementing NGOs300 Adolescent orphans

Project activitiesLife skills trainingBusiness supportTrades training in hairdressing, carpentry and leatherwork

Participant ProfileParticipants and the Environment of Risk

Proximity to AIDSAgeGenderSocio-economic status

What is the project’s impact on the environment of HIV risk?

Study Methods10 monthsParticipant surveysInterviews with NGO staff, participants and community leadersObservation

“There is a big difference between being an employee and being self employed. With employment, you always get an agreed amount, but here I get as much as I work for. Also, I get satisfaction from knowing its my own work.”male, carpenter, 25

Though male participants took a pay cut to be part of the project, they benefited from control over their own labour and independence. They expected income to increase over time.

“I have a better economic situation because my income is stable and a little bit more. Before I could sometimes go to bed hungry.”

female, hairdresser, 23

All but one woman indicated her economic situation had improved, including stability, savings, independence and ability to leave unsafe employment.

“Before the program when I was jobless, even the police considered me unworthy. Now they have changed their mind”male, leatherworker

Decreased community stigma helps participants access community support and improves self perception.

“I have changed my thoughts of death to thoughts of the future”female, hairdresser, 27

60% of participants articulated a new sense of purpose and agency through goal setting. Studies show that a “future oriented attitude” leads to protective behaviour.

“Since we are orphans we have had to struggle harder for a better life. The program creates a supportive environment among us”male, leather worker

The project provided an entry point for participants to connect with other youth in similar situations, leading to informal discussion on HIV/AIDS, sibling care, sex and relationships.

SummaryEconomic Impact Social Impact

Male health, control over labour, independence, income expected to follow

Decreased stigma, increased confidence, increased agency, increased social network

Female independence, increased income, stability, ended unsafe employment

Opportunities for GrowthIntegrating with other NGO servicesSafety of physical environmentScale up