Beyond Stigma: (formerly The Work for Change) Supporting people on their journey from self-stigma to self-worth

What we do
  • We work to tackle stigma and shame - from the inside out
  • We work with vulnerable groups and on sensitive issues
  • We focus on working with communities with few resources of their own

Why we do this
  • To empower individuals and communities to bring about the change they need
  • To create a more compassionate and peaceful society
  • Because we believe that everyone has a right to a fulfilling life

How we do it
  • We implement and monitor impactful programmes that promote self-inquiry and tackle beliefs and thinking
  • We build on knowledge, skills and wisdom present in the community
  • We tailor programmes to the communities and cultures they are for

​Who we work with
  • First and foremost with people and communities themselves
  • With local groups and NGOs
  • With universities, international aid agencies, governments and other stakeholders who have influence and decision-making power
Self-stigma: negative self-judgment resulting in shame, worthlessness and blame
Self-stigma has a profound impact on people. In particular, marginalised populations 

Beyond Stigma was developed in response to the prevalence of self-stigma and the absence of a dedicated strategy to address it.
Self-stigma deeply affects an individual's quality of life, and limits their ability to access health services and follow treatment. Although high levels of it have been reported among those living with HIV, few interventions exist that specifically target this issue, and none exist that provide communities with the skills to address it in places where resources are scarce - until now.

Based on formative research, our innovative course "We Are The Change" was piloted in Harare, Zimbabwe in 2013 with very positive results, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Since then, we have gone on to design and evaluate a number of programmes on self-stigma for people who have had tuberculosis in Kazakstan, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, women who have experienced gender-based violence in Zimbabwe and sex workers in Vietnam. Our programmes focus on thoughts, thinking and beliefs and are inspired by and built around a process called 'Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction' (IBSR) also referred to as The Work of Byron Katie. 

One belief at a time, we challenge the concepts that can induce self-stigma, and with this powerful method, we empower those living with HIV to live more peacefully and confidently within themselves and their community at large.

We offer programmes on self-stigma for people living with HIV, people who have experienced gender-based violence and key populations such as sex workers, transgender people, people who use drugs and men who have sex with men. We focus on beliefs, so the change is profound and lasting.
Beyond Stigma would not be possible without the support and collaboration of many institutions.