In support of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence

Each year governments, civil society and UN partners across the world unite to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence against women and girls. The international campaign commences on the 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and runs until 10th December, Human Rights Day.

In support of this global initiative, AngloGold Ashanti encourages employees to participate in this year’s 16 Days of Activism Campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This year the focus of the campaign is on the elimination of gender-based workplace violence and hostility, and the enabling of a culture that embraces diversity and fostering equity, inclusiveness and belonging.

Recent estimates from the United Nations show that the level of gender-based violence against women is on the rise with nearly 1 in 3 women aged 15 and older reported to have been subjected to some form of violence. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased rate of unemployment and poverty with a disproportionate impact on women and girls, with the increased risk of gender-based violence. Ending violence against women and girls starts with every one of us. We can shift from awareness to action through collaborative efforts to fight the root causes of GBV, including gender stereotypes and societal norms, through education on positive masculinity, healthy relationships, breaking the silence and removing barriers to equity and an inclusive work culture.

This year’s global campaign theme “Orange the World, End Violence Against Women Now” has the colour orange which is used to represent a brighter future, free from violence against women and girls. Employees are encouraged to support the upcoming international campaign throughout the 16-day period and beyond, with the aim to create a work environment free of violence and harassment where every employee can experience a sense of belonging.

In support of World AIDS Day

AngloGold Ashanti joins the world in commemorating World AIDS Day under the theme: End inequalities. End AIDS.  The theme focuses on reaching people left behind withtheWorld Health Organisation (WHO) and its partners highlighting the growing inequalities in accessing essential HIV services.

While significant strides have been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, important global targets for 2020 were not met and the disease remains a major public health issue. Inequality, division, and neglect for human rights are some of the challenges that have allowed HIV to become and remain a global health crisis. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to exacerbate inequities and disruptions to services, rendering the lives of those living with HIV more challenging.

This has dire and lasting implications on progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals 3, which focuses on Good Health and Well-being, with the aim of eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030, as well as to achieve Universal Health Coverage.

On this World AIDS Day, the WHO is calling on global leaders and citizens to confront the inequalities that drive AIDS and to reach people who are currently not receiving essential HIV services.

While our African operations and host communities still face a high burden of HIV/AIDS infection, our health strategy proactively focuses on prevention in the short- and long-term. Our Wellness Programme focuses on the full spectrum of HIV prevention, as well as early diagnosis through Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT), treatment, care and support. We place a strong emphasis on our colleagues knowing their HIV status and associated health risks as well as accessing optimal management programmes as early as possible. At the same time, we have introduced various campaigns for communities on the prevention of multiple challenges presented by COVID-19, HIV, malaria, chronic illnesses and other relevant local issues.

Our interventions to support the health and wellbeing of employees have been strengthened with a focus on education, information and awareness on preventive measures as well as ensuring access to early diagnosis and good quality treatment. For more on this, click here: https://www.aga-reports.com/20/sr/material-issues/social/health

As an organisation, we understand the impact that HIV/AIDS has across our global portfolio and we stand in solidarity with all our colleagues, friends, family members and all others infected with the virus.