Media Release

YWCA of Greater Wellington

Monday 12 September 2011

Pizza, Paper Dolls, Cocktales* and Condoms

(Female Condoms & International Paper Dolls Workshop)

Free pizzas, cocktales*, and condoms will be the highlight of the fun-filled and informative, Female Condoms and International Paper Dolls Workshop. Everyone is welcomed to attend this free event hosted by the YWCA of Greater Wellington and Positive Women this Wednesday 14th September at the Victoria University Student Union Building, Meeting Room Two from 6pm-8pm.

As part of the United Nations Paper Doll campaign, the workshop aims to promote greater investment by governments in female condoms, as well as the education and programming needed to support their use. The campaign will illustrate the growing, world-wide demand for female condoms (FCs) by creating massive chains of paper dolls, each one with a personal message that reflects one person’s thoughts on FCs. Attendees will be introduced to the FC, learn how it can protect against pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and STIs, and watch demonstrations on how to use the FC.

“Less than one percent of all condoms distributed globally are female condoms. Over 99 percent are male condoms. This means that very few of the millions of people who would like to use female condoms for protection from pregnancy, HIV and other STI’s. Even where they are available, they are often priced out of the reach of most people, including here in New Zealand,” says Jane Bruning of Positive Women Inc.

“At the YWCA, we believe it is essential to provide adequate resources to support the capacity of women and girls to lead change on HIV and AIDS and sexual and reproductive health and rights issues – and this includes access to the female condom as a life saving device. The Paper Doll Campaign will be a fun way to raise awareness of this,” says Sarah Davies of the YWCA.

*Cocktales: non-alcoholic cocktails*

.

ends

© Scoop Media