Spotlight on Grassroots spring 2010 African Institute: united against Gender-Based Violence he African Institute on Gender-Based Violence, HIV/AIDS and Counselling emanates from a cri de coeur. Across the continent, countless women, who have been raped and abused, are determined to survive despite the egregious wrongs they have sustained to their bodies and psyches, compounded by the increased exposure to HIV infection. These women come together in villages, clinics and hospitals to fight back and move beyond the horror, refusing to relinquish hope for their own lives and that of their families. One extraordinarily powerful response to gender-based violence and AIDS is the creation, by frontline activists and counsellors, of the African Institute. Imagine a dynamic, mobile, expert response team for women, by women at the ready wanting to assist other en and organisations in Africa, mobilised in teams, armed with expertise in counselling, and trained to teach frontline workers, counsellors, nurses and doctors. There has never been an organisation or institution like this in Africa and the women who do this kind of work, day in and day out, have sent out a clarion call for an V-Day/Paula Allen Institute to come alive. They envisage a creative, active and pro-active centre of thinking, working, rejuvenation and sharing of strategies and effective interventions. The women talk about the need for somewhere to go and relax, write, share ideas and receive and provide training. The Institute will be such a place. A beacon of practical and thoughtful learning and powerful responses to the scourge of gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS. The women calling for the Institute are not satisfied with survival... they are determined to overcome the pandemic of violence and AIDS and restore sanity, respect, security and vibrancy to the lives of women across the continent. The Foundation is equally determined to be with them every step of the way. The Stephen Lewis Foundation is proud to stand in solidarity with the remarkable women who are fiercely determined to make the inspirational vision of the African Institute a reality. excited to fund this ground-breaking initiative. We know you will be too. 66976-1 5/14/10 3:09:38 PM