HIV AND HOUSING WORKSHOP : JOHANNESBURG 14—19 SEPTEMBER 2014 CONGEH PRESENTATION ON ADVOCACY AND NETWORK

 CONGEH is a coalition of about 20 organizations in human settlements. It was established in CONGEH works with government, local officials and civil society to find solutions to the problems associated with rapid urbanization. It places special emphasis on women’s equal access to land and shelter. CONGEH? (1)

 Within the context of its activities in the field, CONGEH has been able to establish a link between Housing and HIV as well as carry out awareness and advocacy activities to address the challenges associated with both issues. GENDER-HIV/AIDS-HABITAT (1)

GENDER-HIV/AIDS-HABITAT (2)

CONGEH has engaged in advocacy activities to influence stakeholders and policy makers to amend legislation; adopt and promote behavioral changes as well as habits and customs; and embrace actions that can improve the quality of housing and access to land especially for women and people who have been infected or affected by HIV / AIDS. ADVOCACY IN THE FIELD OF CONGEH WORK (1)

 Conducting activities such as advocacy workshops.  Taking advantage of different forums and special workshops.  Documenting and sharing the results and case studies from surveys and concrete examples drawn from communities and bringing out the impact of HIV, poor housing or lack of habitat, on the quality of life of vulnerable people. ADVOCACY IN THE FIELD OF CONGEH WORK (2)

 Taking advantage of influential community leaders such as traditional leaders, who have understood the importance and the relevance of addressing the issues of Habitat and the link between HIV /AIDS and Habitat to champion and spread the message.  Encouraging commitment and determination on the part of communities. ADVOCACY IN THE FIELD OF CONGEH WORK (3)

ADVOCACY IN THE FIELD OF CONGEH WORK (4)

ADVOCACY IN THE FIELD OF CONGEH WORK (5)

 The establishment of a platform of housing actors with a permanent representative from the Ministry responsible for housing.  A recent commitment by the Department of Housing following the allocation of 50 plots for social housing - among which at least 10% were assigned to people living with HIV especially women - to provide the site with water and electricity. SOME POSITIVE RESULTS (1)

 A temporary concession areas and the Department of Land Affairs for obtaining a land title to the site of social housing  The involvement of CONGEH representatives as resource persons in the design of national strategies and policies.  The commitment of the Cameroon network of people living with HIV in advocating for the quality of housing, inheritance and access to land with a focus on women. SOME POSITIVE RESULTS (2)

 The commitment of some traditional leaders to reconsider the habits and customs that create unequal access to land and housing for women, and to promote the rights of access for women, especially for those living with HIV  An ongoing partnership with the Department of Women and Family affairs. SOME POSITIVE RESULTS (3)

The Nairobi workshop that was organized by Rooftops Canada and The Manzingira institute in 2009 enabled CONGEH to understand the importance and use of tools such as networking. CONGEH has been networking with a number of partners in the mainstreaming of gender and HIV /AIDS such as: legal social services, associations involved in various forms of fighting against HIV, housing associations, Widows association… NETWORKING STRENGTHEN SERVICES(1)

NETWORKING STRENGTHEN SERVICES(2)

 Another challenge, in main streaming HIV is reaching out to the main targeted population that is people living with HIV.  To have education outreach, data collection for use in advocating becomes difficult without partnership for action and networking with associations of people living with HIV / AIDS. NETWORKING STRENGTHEN SERVICES(3)

 Through its gender AIDS and habitat (GSH) programs CONGEH provides support to its members to carry out program activities primarily through the Social Spaces.  Some social spaces based in rural areas hosted by CONGEH member organizations have been upgraded with computers, audio visual and training materials. SOME ACTIVITIES AND TOOLS (1)

. Local volunteers from the urban social spaces operated by CONGEH member organizations have carried out numerous meetings and local campaigns to sensitize people on the key issues related to GSH and land rights; they have also referred Some people for legal help, hiv matters … SOME ACTIVITIES AND TOOLS (2)

CONGEH continues to work actively with other organizations to engage in dialogue with national ministries on GSH, land and evictions issues. It is also producing new education materials, guides, manuals and videos related to these concerns; participating at meetings, presenting documents for policy change and networking. This includes participation in activities such as World AIDS Day,World Habitat Day, organizing forums, round tables, “platforms”, meetings with government officials.