Member Associations

Gestos is a philanthropic organization founded in 1993 by sociologist Acioli Neto, journalist Alessandra Nilo, sociologist Márcia Andrade and social worker Silvia Dantas. The first project developed was supported by MISEREOR and focused on psychological care for people living with AIDS, as well as the training of information multipliers in the poorest communities of the Metropolitan Region of Recife. Since then, they have effectively contributed to guaranteeing the human rights of people living with HIV and AIDS. About 70% of the people who have sought legal support from the institution have had their rights redressed, through precautionary measures and sentences, which today are even part of the list of jurisprudence on the subject of Law and AIDS. Throughout its history, the organization has considered communication as fundamental in the fight against AIDS and has fought to expand this understanding in Pernambuco, Brazil and Latin America. This vision has consolidated Gestos as an important reference in Communication and AIDS in the country, with special emphasis on discussions on Public Policies on Health Communication. They also help to form new civil society organizations, such as the National Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (RNPVHA - 1995), the Positive Work Group - GTP+ (2000), the Group of Positive Actions (2003), the Group of Support to HIV Positive People (GASP) 2003, Acts of Citizenship (2006). From 2007 to 2011, Gestos created and coordinated the UNGASS-AIDS Forum on Sexual and Reproductive Health, where it oversaw the implementation of agreements signed at the UN in sixteen developing countries. The UNGASS-AIDS Forum has established itself as a space for political debate on issues related to HIV and AIDS and sexual and reproductive health and rights. They are also a consultative NGO at the UN, with ECOSOC status since 2017.   Instagram Twitter

The Soul City Institute for Social Justice (SCI) is an intersectional feminist non-governmental organization that is internationally and locally recognized for its innovation and expertise over two decades in Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC).  The SCI’s primary focus is to work with young women and girls (ages 10 – 35 years) to develop and grow as feminist activists and leaders committed to strengthening movements and advancing the broader agenda for the rights and wellbeing of young women.  The institute also works with men and boys as a secondary focus to promote gender equality and the development of feminist allies. The Institute’s vision is to ensure that young women and girls fully realize their human rights in a just society and can live with dignity and self-determination and have the health and well-being to grow, flourish and reach their full potential. It supports and amplifies young women’s feminist consciousness, voice, agency, and activism to dismantle patriarchy, protect their rights and enable their self-determination. The SCI’s programmes operate at multiple levels to influence individuals, communities, and the socio-economic and political environment. It harness popular culture for social change with prime-time dramas and talk shows on television and radio, combined with social media and print, social mobilization, and policy advocacy.  The SCI approach is unique in that it combines multiple-level strategies at scale. Over the years we have reached over 80% of South Africa through our various programmes and our brand – Soul City - is loved and trusted, with two generations of South Africans having grown up with us. At least three communities the country have so identified themselves with our programmes that they have named themselves Soul City. SoulCity count total clinics Nationally. They provide SRH services (teenage pregnancy screening, contraceptives, PrEP & PEP, CTOP, condom distribution, Cheka Impilo (BP, BMI, diabetes), HTS, TB screening. Follow The Soul City Institute for Social Justice (SCI) on Twitter, Facebook and You Tube. See the RHNK website here.