Our Programs
SOWCHAN's programs address the interconnected challenges facing women and children living with HIV/AIDS — from healthcare and education to economic independence and safety from violence.
Health Protection
HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria & Maternal Health
Without good health, no meaningful development can happen. This can only be achieved when citizens — especially women and children — have the information needed to protect their health and lives.
Key Activities:
- ▸Innovative HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, mental health, maternal health and nutrition education
- ▸Strengthening community health systems
- ▸Advocacy for the improvement of women's health
- ▸Support and care for women and children with disabilities
- ▸PMTCT — Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission programs
Economic Empowerment
Building Financial Independence for Women
Women's poverty lies at the heart of their marginalization and oppression. For women to become active citizens and have their rights respected and needs met, their economic empowerment needs to be guaranteed.
Key Activities:
- ▸Income-Generating Activities (IGAs) for women living with HIV
- ▸Entrepreneurship training for youth
- ▸Computer and digital literacy training
- ▸Sustainable development and poverty reduction programs
- ▸Youth economic self-reliance initiatives
Education & Skills
Expanding Choices for Girls and Boys
Education is the single most essential instrument for the empowerment of people. With education, people can understand the issues that affect their lives, protect their rights, and engage with government to advance their lives.
Key Activities:
- ▸Research to enrich education standards for children and youth
- ▸Educational support for poor and vulnerable children
- ▸Sexual and reproductive health education for in-school girls
- ▸Community rallies and awareness campaigns
- ▸OVC (Orphans and Vulnerable Children) support programs
GBV Prevention & Response
Safe Spaces, Justice & Healing
SOWCHAN creates safe spaces for survivors of gender-based violence. We provide integrated support services and work to challenge the norms that put women and girls at risk.
Key Activities:
- ▸Safe spaces for women and girls to speak out and access support
- ▸Psychosocial support, legal referrals, and health services for GBV survivors
- ▸Community dialogue and advocacy against harmful gender norms
- ▸Capacity-building programs for community leaders on GBV prevention
- ▸Engaging men and boys as allies in gender equality
Community Mobilization
SOWCHAN support groups have been mobilizing communities through aggressive HIV Prevention Sensitization programs, capacity-building programs for young women, feminists (male and female), and community leaders on GBV prevention and response — including community dialogue meetings providing health education on HIV/TB, Malaria, PMTCT, positive living, and maternal and infant mortality prevention.