After recognizing his unique position to support employees, a construction company owner took decisive action to address stigma in his workplace. He had observed concerning levels of stigma, including instances where employees mocked and laughed at a colleague who had been ill for several weeks.
Motivated to intervene, the owner met privately with the employee and encouraged him to share his situation. He then accompanied the man to a clinic, where he tested positive for HIV. To ensure adherence to treatment, the employer assumed the role of next of kin and arranged to keep the employee’s antiretroviral therapy (ART) medication at the office, supporting directly observed treatment for one year. Subsequently, the business owner connected with a field mobilizer from Tonata and facilitated a workplace mobilization session. This initiative led to the establishment of a support group comprising employees and selected community members. Reflecting on his motivation, the employer shared:
I always feel sad when I see or hear about someone being discriminated against or violated because of their nature or illness. That’s why I stand up and fight to prevent further HIV infection, stigma, discrimination, and gender-based violence in my workplace and in the community.
The support group now meets twice monthly. Since its formation, members have demonstrated progress in reducing stigma and actively supporting one another in health-related matters.
This example highlights the critical role that private sector leaders can play in advancing health outcomes and shifting social norms. By leveraging his position of trust and influence, the employer not only supported one individual to access and adhere to life-saving treatment, but also catalyzed broader workplace and community change. The initiative demonstrates how targeted mobilization can transform stigma into solidarity, creating safer environments for disclosure, improving treatment adherence, and strengthening peer support systems. It also underscores the value of partnerships between employers and community-based organizations in extending the reach and impact of HIV and gender-based violence prevention efforts.