TechnoGirl Trust and HIVSA are coming together to address critical issues affecting young women in South Africa.
This partnership aims to raise awareness of HIV, sexual health and general well-being while empowering young women to pursue their dreams and aspirations.
Both the TechnoGirl Trust and HIVSA share a strategic commitment to empowering youth, ensuring they can achieve their goals while prioritising their health and well-being. This partnership addresses significant challenges that persist in South Africa:
- High HIV prevalence: According to statistics, 24% of women aged 18 to 49 in South Africa are living with HIV.
- Teenage pregnancy: Approximately 150 000 young girls in the country experience teenage pregnancy.
- Limited resources: Many communities struggle with limited resources to address personal sexual health and hygiene
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The collaboration between the TechnoGirl Trust and HIVSA started in 2022 when both organisations recognised their shared objective of serving young people in under-resourced communities.
While the TechnoGirl Trust focuses on reducing gender disparities in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers, HIVSA prioritises raising awareness about HIV, community health, sexual health, hygiene, menstrual health and puberty.
According to IOL, Staff Sithole, CEO of TechnoGirl Trust, emphasised the importance of addressing health concerns alongside career development. The partnership aims to bridge the gap by engaging young South African women between the ages of 15 and 25 in discussions related to HIV prevention, sexual health and personal wellness.
Sithole noted that ‘HIV and sexual health awareness are very important components that should always complement career development.’
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The TechnoGirl Trust’s job shadowing programme provides young people with exposure to STEM careers, while HIVSA’s Choma initiative fills the critical health information gap.
HIVSA CEO Yashmita Naidoo highlighted the impact of this collaboration, stating that over 16 000 girls have participated in the TechnoGirl programme, with approximately 75% of beneficiaries advancing to register for STEM careers.
This partnership views career development and sexual health awareness as two pillars for building a brighter future for South Africa’s young people.
Speaking about the partnership, Naidoo said, ‘Speaking to young people gives us an opportunity to empower them with information that assists them in making informed decisions when it comes to their sexual health, thus preventing the spread of HIV and teenage pregnancy.’
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