Since protecting women from HIV/AIDS is also protecting society from the pandemic, and because she clearly understood that all prevention efforts should fundamentally involve women at all levels including positions of leadership, Birhane with her four other friends from the Awassa branch of Tesfa Goh took the initiative to legally set up Tila_ the pioneer association of women living with HIV/AIDS_ in April 11, 1995 E.C. in the presence of H.E. Girma W/Giorgis, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

•  Organizing women who have revealed themselves that they live with the virus and who determined to teach society from their life experiences, give them training and advocacy and thus empower them to develop self-confidence and capacity to combat the disease.

• Organize women who live with the virus and involve them in income generating activities according to their capabilities and knowledge. Although such women need care and support, participating them in income generating activities helps them stay away from dependency and help them stand on their own feet.

• Provide legal protection to women who live with the virus so as to get their rights respected and save them from stigma and discrimination.

• Adapting strategies with the current preventive methods, work in unison until multifaceted problems incurred by HIV/AIDS are eradicated

• Share experiences, motivate and provide possible support to set up associations of women living with HIV/AIDS in SNNP

• Promote the participation of women in preventing the spread of the pandemic and teach the public the benefits of testing for HIV

To see Tila within the next 10-15 yeas as an NGO working to bring about and enhance sustainable development beyond its tasks of combating with HIV/AIDS

•  Mobilization and advocacy

• Strengthening communication, information and education

• Empowerment of the association and members through capacity building programs

• Providing legal protection to people living with HIV/AIDS

• Organizing forums focusing on HIV/AIDS and women as well as other related issues

• Creating a coalition that helps integrate government and non-government organizations

Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Awassa Tel: 251-064-206732
Mobile: 09 16 82 30 64
Fax: 251-064-205974
251-064-209760
P.O.Box: 1041/ Awassa

E-mail-address:  tilawlwh@telecom.net.et

Chairperson : W/t Tigist Alemu