South Africa’s young female population, classified as girls and young women, have made clear their intention to play a pivotal part in any intervention meant to benefit this group.
The country’s female youths took a decisive first step by naming “She Conquers”, the national HIV prevention campaign for girls and young women launched by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa on June 24, 2016.
The name “She Conquers”, inspired by women who face challenges each day and strive to conquer them, was chosen by Mothegi Mphahlele from Limpopo who surprised Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi by calling into the live session at the International Aids Conference where the Minister was announcing the programme’s name and logo.
She Conquers is a three-year campaign that focuses on HIV infections, unwanted pregnancies, school drop-out, sexual and gender-based violence, unemployment and a shortage of economic opportunities among girls and young women.
Expressing his pleasure with the level of participation from girls and young women in the campaign, Minister Motsoaledi said the large number of name suggestions received – over one hundred from all parts of the country – shows that young people were not just giving lip service when they said they don’t want anything for them to be done without them. “They have taken the necessary action to show their commitment to the campaign,” he added.
The minister also announced that the campaign will be expanded to include boys and young men aged between 15 and 35.
Media Enquiries:
Joe Maila
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Popo Maja
Health Cluster Manager Communications
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