The global crisis no one was addressing —
until now.
The stigma people carry within themselves.
Beyond Stigma is an Irish charity and global centre of excellence transforming internal stigma into self-worth through research, community leadership and evidence-informed programmes.
The Missing Piece
Internal-stigma affects how people see themselves.
It impacts mental health and wellbeing, physical health, relationships and opportunity. It can stop people from seeking healthcare, speaking up, connecting with others or believing that change and a happy future is possible.
For too long, internal-stigma remained largely unrecognised and unsupported.
OUR STORY
It started with a question.
Not in a boardroom or a research lab.
On a school run in Ireland, after more than 25 years working in HIV and international development, Dr Nadine Ferris France was asked a simple question:
"What does your husband do?"
In that moment, she experienced something she had spent decades trying to address professionally: self-stigma.
The shame and self-judgement she felt came not from another person, but from the beliefs she held about herself.
That experience led to pioneering research in Ireland and, through a collaboration with Deirdre Ní Cheallaigh in Zimbabwe, to the co-creation of We Are The Change, an evidence-based programme developed alongside people living with HIV to help people move from self-stigma to self-worth.
That programme became the foundation of Beyond Stigma.
Today, our work spans Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Ghana, South Africa, Zambia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Ireland, guided by one simple belief:
When people begin to change the way they see themselves, everything else can begin to change too.
HOW WE CREATE CHANGE
Community-led. Evidence-based. Globally connected.
Every programme is shaped by local people, local cultures and lived experience.
WHERE WE WORK
Local roots. Global impact.
Working alongside local organisations, healthcare providers, researchers and community leaders, we co-create programmes that are culturally relevant, evidence-based and sustainable.
STORIES OF CHANGE
Real people. Real journeys. Real transformation.
-
![]()
Maude
From pain and stigma to confidence and joy, discover how Moud found her smile again.
-
![]()
Julien
What if the thoughts causing your suffering weren't true? Read how Julien found freedom through The Work.
-
![]()
Camile
Sometimes the most painful judgments come from within. Read Camile’s story of self-compassion and recovery.
-
![]()
Vongai
From isolation and self-blame to confidence and connection, read how Vongai found a new lease on life.
-
![]()
Nyasha
Nyasha once felt completely alone. Today, she helps others find hope and support. read how she liberated her mind and transformed her life.
-
![]()
Sylvia
For over 10 years, Sylvia carried anger. Discover how she found peace, acceptance, and a renewed sense of purpose.
IMPACT & RESEARCH
Our programmes are evidence-based and evaluated for real-world impact.
Our Partners
Creating change together.
Help Create Lasting Change
Together, we can help more people move from self-stigma to self-worth.
Choose how you'd like to support our work.