Mandela highlights role of women in AIDS plight
March 21, 2005 – (IoL) The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa "carries the face of women, as they are the ones who carry most of the burden," Nelson Mandela said during a concert in South Africa aimed at raising awareness of how the disease affects women. The legendary freedom fighter encouraged everyone to speak out about the disease and fight the widespread stigma attached to it.
He may be an "old-age pensioner", but Nelson Mandela cannot rest easy.
Speaking to an audience of about 20 000 at Fancourt in George on Saturday for the second 46664 Aids concert, he said: "I am supposed to be retired. I would love to enjoy the peace and quiet... but I can't rest easily while this beloved continent is being ravaged by a deadly epidemic. We are all affected by HIV and Aids."
Accompanied by his wife, Graça Machel - both kitted out in black 46664 T-shirts and pants - Madiba highlighted the plight of African women, who are affected most by the virus.
The concert, boasting both local and international acts, was to raise awareness of the effects of HIV and Aids on women.
A total of R10-million was raised through ticket sales and the 46664 campaign.
Proceeds go to the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
"This epidemic carries the face of women, as they are the ones who carry most of the burden of HIV/Aids," said Mandela.
"We are here to celebrate the women of Africa tonight and through that celebration, we are proclaiming that they cannot continue to bear the burden alone.
"Our call is to give voice to the women in the fight against HIV and Aids," he said, to cheers and resounding applause.
"For every moment we remain silent, we conspire against our women and destroy a generation."
This year's concert included performances by Queen and Paul Rodgers, Annie Lennox, Katie Melua, India.Arie, Will Smith and top local acts such as Danny K, Mandoza and Prime Circle.
In November 2003 the founding concert was held in Cape Town.
"In 2003, I gave permission for my Robben Island prison number 46664 to be used as a weapon in the struggle against Aids.
"I did so because in the long years on Robben Island, we never lost hope... we always knew there were so many people in SA and around the world who believed in our struggle for justice.
"Millions of women in Africa are living on their own Robben Island, alone and without hope. We are here to help give them hope and strength."
Madiba said through the "universal language of music", the concert would "sing out" the message of the effects of HIV and Aids around the world.
On behalf of women with HIV and Aids in SA, Gertrude Maganda from George encouraged women to seek help and appealed to men to show more support.
"Men, we are not alone in this problem. You also have a role to play," she said.
International artist Annie Lennox, who also performed at the 2003 concert, was solemn.
"I have come here tonight to bring to your attention an unacceptable situation," she said.
"Aids is causing mass genocide. In Africa, more people are wiped out every year than in the entire Asian tsunami.
"It is absolutely horrific that of every 10 people infected, six are women.
"Women need to insist on protecting themselves.
"Sex without condoms can serve as a death sentence.
"Get yourself tested. There is no stigma in that."
From: http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20050321071759695C265192#jump
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