At the Coalition of Women Living with HIV and AIDS in Malawi (COWLHA), we have long believed in the power of education and community engagement. Through our involvement in the Stepping Stones training programme, we have provided life-changing guidance on gender, HIV, communication, and relationship skills for our members. This innovative approach has allowed us to foster resilience and strength within our communities.
In an exciting collaboration with Salamander Trust and filmmaker Dominique Chadwick of Social Films, we embarked on a journey to capture the transformative impact of our work. The result was a moving 12-minute film that highlights the progress and empowerment experienced by our members. Dominique, supported by Salamander Associate Nell Osborne, also conducted specialized training with 3 groups consisting of COWLHA members, their partners, and neighbors. These groups were empowered to create, film, and edit their own 3-minute films, using their voices to share personal stories of hope and resilience.
In total, 7 powerful films were produced, showcasing the real-life impacts of COWLHA’s initiatives. These films not only reflect the strength and creativity of our members but also emphasize the importance of community-led and community-driven solutions in addressing HIV and gender-related challenges. A compilation of all the films is available and you can access them HERE.
To learn more about this initiative please reach out to Salamander Trust at info@salamandertrust.net. Together, we continue to take bold steps towards creating safer, stronger communities for women living with HIV in Malawi.