The Stephen Lewis Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Celebrations for the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign was held in Ottawa October 5 – 7. Ottawa-Gatineau grandmother groups played instrumental roles in organizing the event, including many of our One World Grannies. The gathering drew over 150 Canadian grandmothers and “grandothers,” grandmothers and partners from Africa, the UK and Australia, and many SLF staff. In addition, more than 60 people joined the celebration by Zoom.
Grandmothers’ fundraising efforts now represent over 20% of the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s income, a remarkable achievement — and fitting number: 20 percent at 20 years. Congratulations to One World Grannies, grandmothers in our regional network, across Canada and around the world for a generation’s worth of dedication to solidarity with our sister grandmothers in sub-Saharan Africa. HIV and AIDS is not conquered and substantial challenges face our movement today — but grandmothers will persevere to grow Stephen Lewis’ vision for solidarity rather than charity: for supporting African grandmothers’ own leadership, priorities and determination to build a future for their grandchildren.
And to realize our pledge: “We will not rest until they can rest.”
Photos from OWG’s Maureen Murphy and Kate: Photos set 1 Photos set 2