Alessandra Nilo explained how Gestos focuses on communication and gender issues as these are pivotal to addressing HIV and AIDS. Violence against children, specifically girls, makes them vulnerable to HIV and AIDS.
A central question is how to make the act of communication inclusive, particularly as Brazil’s legal framework around communication dates from the 1960s. Gestos argues that:
- access to communication is a human rights issue
- targeted populations should be included in the development of materials
- press releases should refer to the communication process, not just the issue
- accessibility in terms of language should always be considered
- information communication technology should not override content
- knowledge – not just information provision – should be used as a key indicator when evaluating impact
Gestos always involves intended beneficiaries in communication outputs such as publications, posters and multimedia. Examples include:
- a book of stories designed by children and teenagers who were participants in a workshop
- a book – and workshops for teachers – on respecting spaces in school
- a video on violence against women and because of their HIV-positive status, filmed by partners in different countries
