This toolkit originally evolved out of a two-year research project on stigma conducted in Zambia, Tanzania, and Ethiopia and was originally published in 2003. The toolkit contains over 100 participatory exercises which can be adapted to fit different groups and contexts. There are different sets of pictures which can help to identify stigma, discuss the rights of positive people and help to stimulate discussions around gender and sexuality and morality issues linked to stigma.


The toolkit was developed with the involvement of staff from more than 50 non-governmental (NGOs) from these countries. They shared stories and their experiences, developed exercises, and tested some of the tools. It is a collaborative work of International HIV/AIDS Alliance, International Center for Research on Women (ICRW), Academy for Educational Development (AED), and PACT Tanzania.

This revised edition (2007) builds on the original toolkit and includes experience of the Alliance’s Regional Stigma Training Project. New modules now address stigma as it relates to ARV treatment, children, youth, and men who have sex with men.

Toolkit Booklets and Modules:

1. Introduction: Using the Toolkit, and Module A: Naming the Problem;
2. Module B: More Understanding, Less Fear, and Module C: Sex, Morality, Shame, Blame;
3. Module D: Family and Stigma and Module E: Home Based Care and Stigma;
4. Module F: Coping with Stigma and Module G: Treatment and Stigma;
5. Module H: Men Who Have Sex with Men and Stigma;
6. Module I: Children and Stigma;
7. Module J: Young People and Stigma;
8. Moving to Action; and
9. Picture booklet