About ICWEA
Who We Are
The International Community of Women living with HIV Eastern Africa is a regional advocacy network and membership based organisation. ICW Eastern Africa exists to give visibility to women living with HIV in Eastern Africa. ICW Eastern Africa believes that gender inequalities and the lack of sexual & reproductive health & rights for women are at the heart of the HIV epidemic.
It has been widely recognised ‘HIV has a woman’s face’. Unfortunately women remain invisible from the processes where decisions are made on HIV policies, programmes and laws that will have an impact on women’s lives and well-being. Women in Africa who are statistically most infected, are particularly missing, and often perceived to be recipients or denied space which prevent us from accessing knowledge and information.
ICW Eastern Africa is an advocacy network run by and for HIV positive women. Our advocacy is based on evidence of our daily lived experiences to influence policies and programmes. We use participatory processes to ensure our work addresses the priorities of women living with HIV, including young women, from the grassroots.
ICW Eastern Africa’s membership is based on individuals. Membership registration is free for all women living with HIV. We are mindful of women living with HIV’s diverse backgrounds. This helps us build a collective voice with accountable representation.
Our Vision
Holistic health & rights for women and girls living with HIV in their diversity where they thrive and live dignified lives.
Our Mission
Holistic health & rights for women and girls living with HIV in their diversity through meaningful Involvement, capacity building, strategic partnerships and advocacy..
Our Core Values
ACCOUNTABLE
We are accountable to each other and hold duty bearers accountable.
CONFIDENTIAL
We keep member information private and secure.
RESPONSIVE
We understand the needs of members and actively engage to find effective solutions.
MUTUAL RESPECT
All voices and rights matter.
COMMITMENT
We are devoted to the cause and ensure that no one is left behind.
MEMBER DRIVEN
Our actions are guided by the needs/actions of our members.
Our Difference
ICW Eastern Africa’s added value is to focus on advocacy by and for women living with HIV, based on our lived experiences & evidence, completing the efforts of organisations on the ground while facilitating access to advocacy platforms and policy-processes at national, regional and international levels. Our Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights advocacy is unique and linked to ICW’s birth in 1992.
