Dutch MP's sign paper doll at UN meeting
klein.jpg)
During the UN High Level Meeting on AIDS in New York the UAFC Joint Programme organized an advocacy event. On June 8, Mrs. Kathleen Ferrier (Dutch MP, Christian Democrats) pleaded for largescale availability of female condoms worldwide. She did so together with the representative of the First Lady of Mozambique, Dr. Flávia Cuereneia, Director of the First Lady’s Office. Female condoms are an important asset in the battle against AIDS. The demand is high, availability still way too low.
Mrs Ferrier gave a speech and wrote a statement on Zawadi, one of many paper dolls: "Female Condoms and programming available for every woman in the world!!" Also Mr Klaas Dijkhoff, (Dutch MP, Liberals) was present and wrote: "You should be able to protect yourself. Always." From all over the world deze paper dolls came to New York, with statemenst of men and women, asking for more female condoms. Zawadi will now fly to the Netherlands, where she and many other dolls from all over the world will be present at the UAFC Conference on Female Condoms in November 2011.
This rally launched the International Paper Dolls Campaign -- a project of Universal Access to Female Condoms Joint Programme. Hundreds of paper dolls were displayed on this opening day of the UN High Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS. Each paper doll bears a hand-written message from an individual who wants her or his demand for female condoms to be seen – and heard.
The Paper Doll Campaign is already being implemented by 20 non-governmental organizations in 12 countries in North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. More partners are joining weekly.
This Campaign illustrates the global demand for female condoms. This launch event highlighted its urgency to those at the UN meeting. Right now,less than 1% of all condoms distributed globally are female condoms. This effective tool is unavailable or unaffordable to millions of people worldwide who need it for protection against HIV, other sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. Each doll speaks for one person (and many others) who wants this reality to change.
