The Grandmothers Campaign is an initiative of the Stephen Lewis Foundation
In 2007 a group of women from the Comox Valley was inspired by their African sisters who had risen so willingly to the challenge of bringing up their grandchildren, after their own children had died from HIV and AIDS. Since then, the Glacier Grannies have raised over $600,000 dollars for the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Learn more about us here.
The Grandmothers of Sub-Saharan Africa are a resilient and heroic group of women. After caring for their own children as they died in the HIV and AIDS pandemic, they took on the role of raising their orphaned grandchildren, caring for their physical and emotional needs, and putting them through school. As they grew in self-confidence, they became pivotal members of their communities, participating in income-generating programs and leading the fight against HIV and AIDS: teaching prevention, supporting those living with the condition, and battling the stigma that still surrounds the disease. Grandmothers have also become advocates for change, fighting for their human rights and those of their families. By supporting grassroots community-based organizations, The Grandmothers Campaign is with them every step of the way.
As many grandchildren grow older, some are joining with other youth to become leaders in programs to support young people living with HIV and AIDS. In 2017, teenage girls were the largest group to become infected.
Canadian grandmothers have pledged not to rest until their African sisters can rest!
“We are the backbones of our communities. We form the core of community-based care. With our love and commitment we protect and nurture our orphan grandchildren. Africa cannot survive without us.” - African Grandmothers in the 2010 Manzini Statement
