Lutsango LwakaNgwane Project

The Lutsango Project, supported by the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through Pact, implemented a transformative Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and HIV prevention program in Swaziland. This initiative aimed to address damaging gender norms and beliefs that contributed to increased HIV vulnerability among women. Through comprehensive data collection and analysis, the project revealed alarming statistics, highlighting the acceptance of violence against women and the prevalence of harmful gender stereotypes.

Working in the Hhohho and Manzini regions, the Lutsango Project successfully challenged GBV norms and their association with HIV infection. IHM Southern Africa played a crucial role in managing and securing study data while employing cost-effective methods for data collection. The project’s findings emphasized the importance of economic empowerment interventions alongside efforts to change HIV/AIDS, sexual and reproductive health, and GBV norms.

The Lutsango Project’s impact extended beyond prevention strategies, as it fostered gender equity and improved the overall well-being of Swaziland’s population. By challenging damaging beliefs and promoting gender equality, the project contributed to the long-term fight against HIV/AIDS in the country.