All programs are offered in a safe, supportive, inclusive environment. Women are asked to attend all workshops which are structured to provide them with the information and skills necessary live a longer and healthier life while managing their HIV infection.
Sister Rise
SISTA
A 5-session health education and risk reduction program that addresses the risk reduction needs of HIV negative women.
Overview
This program is designed to increase condom use with African American women. Five sessions are conducted that focus on ethnic and gender pride, HIV knowledge, and skills training around sexual risk reduction behaviors and decision making. The intervention is based on Social Learning theory as well as the theory of Gender and Power.
Core Elements
Conduct small group sessions to discuss the session objectives, model skills development, role play women's skills acquisition, and address the challenges and joys of being an African American woman;
Utilize cultural and gender appropriate materials to acknowledge pride, enhance self worth in being an African American woman;
Train women in sexual assertion skills, so that they can both demonstrate care for partners and negotiate safe behaviors;
Teach women proper condom use--SISTA is designed to foster positive attitudes and norms towards consistent condom use;
Discuss cultural and gender triggers that may make it challenging for women to negotiate safer sex; and
Emphasize the importance of partner involvement in safer sex--the homework activities are designed to involve the male partner.
