Join us in London in November for a prestigious art show celebrating the success of our Mentor Mothers
Dualities: Women’s Empowerment in Africa will feature One To One's amazing Mentor Mothers alongside the exceptional art of women from the Undiscovered Canvas stable, including a new piece created for the show, by the renowned Nene Mahlangu. Work by Lulama Wolf, Nthabiseng Boledi Kekana and Lesego Seoketsa will also feature.
One to One patron Naomie Harris OBE is possibly best known as Moneypenny in the James Bond films Skyfall, Spectre and No Time to Die. Ms Harris was first introduced to One to One while playing Winnie Mandela in the biopic Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, opposite Idris Elba. And she co-starred in the Oscar-winning film Moonlight.
Naomie Harris says, “One to One’s 40 Mentor Mothers are my heroines. I’m delighted to see them celebrated in this important exhibition.
“Being an international hub, highlighting the unique success of One to One in London helps to overcome the neglect women face in the remote Eastern Cape of South Africa. And it helps to share the message internationally that this women-led model of care works – beating UN targets despite the challenges of the region. It would be great to see it widely adopted.
“It’s hard to imagine the difficulties women face in the Eastern Cape and the innovation this harsh region demands of them. One to One’s Mentor Mothers are out there saving lives every day as they walk that difficult terrain from home to home.
“The new UNAIDS goal to eradicate AIDS by 2030, announced in July, can only be met with a keen focus on maternal healthcare in remote regions, led at the grassroots by women such as One to One’s Mentor Mothers.
“The new UNAIDS figures show that in sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls remain disproportionately affected, accounting for 63% of all new HIV infections. 53% of all people living with HIV are women and girls.
“Unless remote, last-mile communities such as those in the Eastern Cape of South Africa are targeted with maternal and child-focussed healthcare, an AIDS-free generation will be impossible to achieve.
“90% of One to One’s Mentor Mothers are living with HIV. These are local women who have been trained by One to One and become the go to person in their communities. Walking miles between homes, Mentor Mothers are not just delivering health care, they are ambassadors and role models for living positively with HIV, with clients saying, 'My mentor mother is walking the journey with me.'
“This way, Mentor Mothers have removed the profound stigma which was preventing discussion, diagnosis, and sustained use of antiretroviral therapy. They operate at the grassroots, with the validation and support of local chiefs; relied on for their wisdom, courage, experience and hands-on support.
“These treasured members of local communities are an inspiration to us all.”
Dualities is a world-class exhibition to be hosted at one of Mayfair’s most prestigious galleries. Do look out for further information in coming weeks, and please register here to arrange your visit.