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Reflect, Rejuvenate, Renew

Grandmothers rising to new possibilities

Grandmother activists are coming together across 11 countries for the first-ever hybrid — online and in person — International Grandmothers Gathering (IGG) this October 24–26.

In Canada, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, grandmothers will be developing national plans of action and making new international connections. It will be momentous!

In sub-Saharan Africa, and around the world, grandmothers and grandothers are leading social justice movements and playing integral roles in their communities.

These gatherings come at a critical time. Since COVID-19, many grandmothers have seen a major backslide in gains made toward ending the HIV epidemic, and in the protection of their human rights.

Faced with discrimination based on gender, age, and HIV status, grandmothers are courageous advocates for their families and communities.

Since 2006, Canadian, American, Australian, and British grandmothers and grandothers have joined African grandmothers in solidarity through the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign. Members raise significant funds and awareness, rallying behind the call, “We will not rest until they can rest!”

Photo Credit: Liz Marshall

Description: March to raise awareness

Location: Toronto, Canada

Grandmothers were joined by Stephen Lewis and Alicia Keys in a solidarity march through the streets of Toronto, Canada in 2006.

Photo Credit: SLF

Description: First Grandmothers Gathering in 2006

Location: Canada

At the first International Grandmothers Gathering in 2006 in Canada, grandmothers and their allies came together to raise awareness about the needs of older women affected by HIV and AIDS.

Photo Credit: Ricki Horowitz

Description: Grandmothers Gathering

Location: Eswatini

A woman shares her perspective during a workshop at the African Grandmothers Gathering in Eswatini in 2010.

Photo Credit: Ricki Horowitz

Description: Grandmothers Gathering

Location: Eswatini

Grandmothers gather for the closing ceremony of the African Grandmothers Gathering in Eswatini in 2010.

Photo Credit: Kibuuka Mukisa Oscar

Description: Uganda Grandmothers Gathering

Location: Uganda

Grandmothers call for changes in national policy during a march at the Uganda Grandmothers Gathering in 2015.

Photo Credit: Edward Echawalu

Description: Uganda Grandmothers Gathering

Location: Uganda

Grandmothers from across the country gathered to share stories and experiences at the Uganda Grandmothers Gathering in 2015.
21st International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2016), Durban, South Africa. 16th July 2016 Grandmothers united having a march and gathering outside the Durban ICC Photo©International AIDS Society/Abhi Indrarajan

Photo Credit: ©International AIDS Society/Abhi Indrarajan

Description: Grandmothers marching

Location: South Africa

Attendees of the South African Grandmothers Gathering gathered outside the International AIDS Conference 2016 to call for support for grandmothers in the response to end AIDS.

Photo Credit: ©International AIDS Society/Abhi Indrarajan

Description: Grandmothers Gathering in South Africa

Location: South Africa

Grandmothers prepare to march for change in South Africa during the Grandmothers Gathering in 2016.

Photo Credit: Skystudios Africa

Description: Grandmothers marching

Location: Tanzania

In 2018, grandmothers and their allies marched in the streets of Arusha in solidarity as part of the Tanzania Grandmothers Gathering.

Photo Credit: Skystudios Africa

Description: Tanzania Grandmothers Gathering

Location: Tanzania

Edith Tarimo passionately delivers the Tanzania Grandmothers Statement at a press conference as part of the Tanzania Grandmothers Gathering in 2018.

The IGG is an opportunity for grandmothers around the world to celebrate and strengthen the grandmothers movement and chart a clear path forward.

What happens at an International Grandmothers Gathering?

The IGG program is by and for grandmothers. In each region, they design a program that can include national and international workshops, public marches, and meetings with policymakers to advocate for grandmothers’ rights. Gatherings raise the visibility of grandmothers mobilizing for a more equitable future, free from AIDS.

Collectively, grandmothers will contribute to an International Grandmothers Statement that will be shared with policymakers across the African continent and in Canada.

We are looking forward to sharing updates as grandmothers rise to new possibilities!

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