The focus of the Siyam'kela Project is on the experience of HIV/AIDS-related stigma in South Africa, where the epidemic is spreading in the general population. The project's objective is to add to the world's collective understanding of the manifestations of stigma and discrimination as well as the types of interventions that are effective in reducing stigma and discrimination. Siyam'kela involves three essential groups in South Africa's response to HIV/AIDS: People living with HIV/AIDS; National government departments; and Faith-based organizations. Specifically, the project seeks to identify, document, and disseminate indicators of internal and external stigma, "best practices", and interventions for reducing stigma and discrimination. To learn more about the project, please click on the links below: :: Siyam'kela: An Overview :: Siyam'kela: Examining HIV/AIDS Stigma in Selected South African Media: January - March 2003: A Summary :: Siyam'kela: HIV/AIDS Stigma Indicators: A Tool for Measuring the Progress of HIV/AIDS Stigma Mitigation :: Siyam'kela: HIV/AIDS Related Stigma - A Literature Review :: Siyam'kela: Measuring HIV/AIDS Related Stigma :: Siyam'kela: Preliminary Indicators Workshop Report (November 2002) :: Tackling HIV/AIDS Stigma: Guidelines for Enhancing the Interaction of People Living with HIV/AIDS with the Media :: Tackling HIV/AIDS Stigma: Guidelines for Faith-based Organizations :: Tackling HIV/AIDS Stigma: Guidelines for the Workplace :: A Report on the Fieldwork Leading to the Development of HIV/AIDS Stigma Indicators and Guidelines :: Stigma Resource Pack

Siyam'kela [SI-YUH-MU-GE-LAR] is an African word from the Nguni language. Translated it means "We Are Accepting" - expressing a collective embracing, understanding, and acceptance of a challenge at a particular time. The word has thus been interpreted as "Together We Stand" for this project.