Combating stigma and discrimination against HIV with creative campaigns

Thirty representatives of companies participated in a video blog (vlog) training on HIV prevention programme at the workplace. The participating companies represented the HIV high-risk working sector such as construction, transportation, mining, oil and gas as well as manufacturing.

Held on 11 November, the training intended to equip selected participants with knowledge on HIV prevention programme at the workplace. The training also intended to equip them with skills to produce their own vlogs in order to raise the awareness about issues related to HIV at the workplace and to promote a non-discriminatory policy at the workplace.

With the rising number of HIV cases in productive age of 15-24 years old, we support the initiative to conduct more creative HIV educational campaigns using trending promotional tools such as video blogs."

dr Rima Melati, HIV focal point of Apindo

The training was conducted by the ILO in collaboration with the Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo). Dr Rima Melati, HIV focal point of Apindo, said that without adequate education and socialization, stigma and discrimination against people with HIV would be difficult to combat.

“With the rising number of HIV cases in productive age of 15-24 years old, we support the initiative to conduct more creative HIV educational campaigns using trending promotional tools such as video blogs. We need to find ways to reach out to greater audiences, including millennials,” she said.

“They key to combat stigma and discrimination against people with HIV is through knowledge. Therefore, we hope that through this vlog training, the enterprises can conduct their own HIV campaigns in creative and interesting way. This will also support the promotion and creation of inclusive and equal workplace by making best use of non-traditional channels such as social media,” said Early Dewi Nuriana, the ILO’s programme coordinator for HIV prevention, commenting on the importance of the training.

During the training, the participants learnt how to use their smartphones to produce vlogs, shoot pictures and develop interesting story plots and video editing. They were also able to choose topics from the five main themes: HIV education programme (myths and facts on HIV), elimination of stigma and discrimination against HIV, knowing your status, stay healthy with HIV and promotion of non-discriminatory policy at the workplace.

Therefore, we hope that through this vlog training, the enterprises can conduct their own HIV campaigns in creative and interesting way. This will also support the promotion and creation of inclusive and equal workplace by making best use of non-traditional channels such as social media."

Early Dewi Nuriana, the ILO’s programme coordinator for HIV prevention

After the training, the participants receive practical coaching and mentorship from professional videographers for two weeks until end of November. The mentors provide necessary guidance throughout the production processes until the finalization of the vlogs.

“To make this training and mentoring activity more interesting and rewarding, we also conduct an internal competition among the participants. The appointed jurors, including members of HIV Working Group, will select four best vlogs based on contents, techniques and creativities,” added Early.

The winners of the vlog competition will be announced on the World AIDS Day on 1 December. The winning vlogs will also be used by the ILO as part of its campaign to promote non-discriminatory workplace and equal employment opportunity for people with HIV.