About the Initiative
Colour My Stigma: Hear My Voice is a social impact initiative focused on addressing the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis (TB) in South Africa.
Through storytelling, research, and community engagement, the initiative creates safe spaces for individuals to share their lived experiences, while educating communities and challenging harmful misconceptions. It seeks to shift the narrative from fear and judgment to understanding, dignity, and support.
By amplifying voices and promoting open dialogue, the initiative encourages testing, treatment adherence, and improved health-seeking behaviour. It also works with key stakeholders to influence policy and drive systemic change.
At its core, Colour My Stigma: Hear My Voice is about restoring dignity, empowering communities, and building a society where no one feels silenced or defined by stigma.
Our Purpose
- To break the silence and dismantle stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis (TB)
- To create safe platforms where individuals can share their lived experiences openly and without fear
- To challenge harmful misconceptions through education and awareness
- To restore dignity, respect, and visibility to those affected
- To encourage early testing, treatment adherence, and positive health-seeking behaviour
- To foster supportive, stigma-free communities
- To amplify voices that have been silenced or overlooked
- To influence systems and policies through research and advocacy
- To empower communities with knowledge, tools, and resources
- To build a society where no one is defined by stigma and every voice matters
Our Approach
Colour My Stigma: Hear My Voice
An ImpactHer Research and Insights Initiative
Colour My Stigma: Hear My Voice is a research-led initiative focused on addressing the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis (TB) in South Africa. Through a combination of data, lived experiences, and community engagement, the initiative creates meaningful dialogue, drives awareness, and supports long-term social change.
Research-Led Intervention
We use evidence and data to understand stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis (TB), ensuring our work is informed, relevant, and impactful.
Lived Experience at the Centre
We prioritise real stories and voices, creating platforms for individuals to share their journeys and shape the narrative.
Community-Driven Engagement
We work directly with communities through dialogues, workshops, and outreach programmes to foster understanding and trust.
Education & Awareness
We deliver accessible, accurate information to challenge myths, reduce fear, and promote informed decision-making.
Advocacy & Systems Influence
We translate research and community insights into advocacy efforts that influence policy, healthcare systems, and public discourse.
Collaborative Partnerships
We partner with government, civil society, and healthcare stakeholders to strengthen reach and sustainability.
Integrated Psychosocial Support
We recognise the emotional impact of stigma and incorporate safe spaces and support mechanisms into our work.
Sustainable Impact Focus
We aim to create long-term change by shifting mindsets, behaviours, and systems — not just raising awareness.
The Conference
The Colour My Stigma: Hear My Voice Conference brings together community members, thought leaders, researchers, activists, organisations, and policy influencers.
It creates a space for:
- Honest conversations around stigma
- Sharing lived experiences
- Research discussions and insights
- Collaborative exploration of solutions
This conference is not just an event — it is the foundation for long-term impact and continued community engagement.
Why This Matters
Stigma silences people. Silence prevents healing.
And without hearing the voices of those affected, meaningful change cannot happen.
Colour My Stigma: Hear My Voice transforms silence into insight — and insight into action.
The 3-Year Pilot Project
Following the conference, ImpactHer Research and Insights will launch a three-year pilot project designed to deepen this work.
- Collecting and analysing community insights
- Conducting ongoing dialogue sessions
- Documenting lived experiences
- Producing insight reports for institutions and policymakers
- Developing evidence-based recommendations
This initiative moves beyond conversation into sustained research, documentation, and impact-driven work.
Led by ImpactHer Research and Insights
ImpactHer Research and Insights is a research-driven organisation focused on understanding social challenges and developing informed solutions that create real impact through community voices.
