Promoting Gender Equality: A Core Value at Hospersa
At Hospersa, we wholeheartedly embrace the principles of gender equality and are dedicated to creating a South Africa that is free from oppression, social and economic exploitation, and any form of unfair discrimination. We firmly acknowledge that, despite significant progress, there is still much work to be done to ensure that women enjoy true equality in our society.
Advocating for Gender Equality Through Mainstreaming
One of our primary strategies for achieving gender equality is gender mainstreaming. This approach involves integrating gender perspectives into all of our policies, programs, and activities. At Hospersa, we believe that gender equality should be a fundamental aspect of every facet of our organization.
Empowering Through Dedicated Committees
To effectively drive our gender equality initiatives, we have established dedicated committees tasked with the development and implementation of programs that promote gender equality. These committees are composed of passionate individuals who are committed to breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity within our professions.
Championing Equal Representation: The 50/50 Principle
Hospersa proudly endorses the 50/50 principle, advocating for equal representation of women in our union’s leadership and decision-making structures. We recognize the importance of fair and balanced representation to ensure that the diverse perspectives of all our members are taken into account.
Empowering Women in Leadership
We are dedicated to empowering women in leadership positions. Our young female shop stewards are provided with numerous opportunities to develop their leadership skills through various platforms. Additionally, our women leaders actively engage in activities aimed at educating workers about different forms of gender-based violence and working towards its reduction both within the workplace and in society at large.
Active Participation in Employment Equity Committees
Hospersa encourages all our shop stewards to actively participate in workplace Employment Equity Committees. These committees play a crucial role in addressing equality issues for all previously disadvantaged and marginalized groups. By working together within these committees, we aim to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces for all professionals.
Gender equality is not just a goal for Hospersa; it’s a core value that drives our actions and initiatives in the professions. We firmly believe that by fostering an environment of gender equality, we can unlock the full potential of all our members, drive progress, and build a more equitable and just society for everyone.
Prioritising Occupational Health and Safety: A Hospersa Commitment
At Hospersa, ensuring the occupational health and safety of our valued members takes precedence. We are unwavering in our dedication to providing safe and healthy work environments, and we invest substantial resources to make this commitment a reality. Through quality training programs, we equip our shop stewards with the knowledge and skills needed to champion occupational health and safety.
Staying Informed and Leading the Way
Hospersa remains vigilant in staying informed about the latest developments in health and safety. Our commitment to this cause extends beyond our borders as we actively contribute to the development of international publications and training materials focused on occupational health and safety. This not only benefits our members but also helps set industry standards globally.
Dedicated Shop Stewards for Occupational Health and Safety
Within our union, we have dedicated shop stewards who are passionate about addressing occupational health and safety matters. They play a crucial role in ensuring that our members are safe and healthy while at work.
Encouraging Active Participation
Hospersa strongly encourages our shop stewards to actively participate in workplace Health and Safety Committees. This proactive involvement allows them to report any transgressions to employers and relevant authorities when necessary. Over the years, Hospersa has achieved numerous successes in bridging gaps in health and safety provisions within workplaces.
Raising Awareness and Taking Action
In our unwavering commitment to the cause, Hospersa initiates awareness and action campaigns focused on health and safety in the workplace. These campaigns serve to educate, inform, and empower both our members and their employers to create safer work environments.
Hospersa’s dedication to occupational health and safety knows no bounds. We believe that every professional deserves to work in an environment that prioritizes their well-being. Through education, advocacy, and active participation, we continue to make.

Knowledge Empowers, Lives Flourish!
Fighting HIV/AIDS and TB: Hospersa's Unwavering Commitment
At Hospersa, our dedication to addressing HIV/AIDS and TB is steadfast, spanning every level of our organization. We actively contribute to policy development, both on a national and international scale, underscoring our commitment to making a difference.
Empowering Through Education
Education is the cornerstone of our efforts. Hospersa has developed comprehensive training programs and publications, providing our shop stewards with accurate and high-quality information about HIV/AIDS and, more recently, TB. We firmly believe that knowledge empowers individuals to make informed choices about their health.
Promoting Access to Testing
Access to Voluntary Counselling and Testing for HIV is crucial, and Hospersa plays an active role in ensuring that workers can avail of this service within broader Wellness Screening initiatives.
Elected Advocates for Change
Within our organization, we have elected office bearers at both national and provincial levels dedicated to championing the cause of HIV/AIDS and TB. Their passion and dedication drive meaningful change within our union and at workplaces, where it matters most.
Encouraging Regular Testing
Regular testing is fundamental for early detection and treatment. Hospersa consistently encourages our members to undergo testing for HIV and TB through campaigns and educational initiatives.
Engaging Employers for Improvement
Our commitment extends to engaging with employers to enhance their workplace responses to HIV/AIDS and TB. We believe that collaboration and open dialogue are essential for creating healthier work environments.
Combating Stigma Through Education
Stigma and discrimination are formidable barriers to progress. Hospersa actively works to combat these issues through education and awareness campaigns, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for our members.
Empowering Through Education!
Hospersa is steadfast in its commitment to preventing a disaster related to HIV/AIDS and TB among healthcare workers. We firmly believe in their right to Occupational Health Protection, and we are dedicated to making a difference.
Addressing Elevated Risk Factors
Hospersa recognizes that healthcare workers face an elevated risk. With approximately 50,000 members in the health sector, we acknowledge the unique challenges they encounter. These challenges, coupled with the country’s high HIV prevalence, underscore the urgency of our efforts.
Our Vision: Zero New Infections
Our project aligns with the National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2012-2016. We aim to achieve zero new HIV/TB infections, zero vertical transmission, zero preventable deaths, and zero discrimination related to HIV and TB. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, we are committed to realizing this vision.
Empowering Through Education
We empower healthcare workers through a range of initiatives, including:
- Workplace Wellness Days: These events provide TB screening for 2000 health workers, HIV testing for 1000, and TB testing referrals for 100 in all nine provinces.
- TB Training Workshops: Conducted in all nine provinces, these sessions focus on TB-HIV and Occupational Health & Safety measures, enhancing the capacity of health sector workers.
- Youth Seminars: These seminars engage 300 young workers, providing information, awareness, and knowledge about their predisposing risk factors for HIV and TB. Emphasis is on prevention, behavioral change, and access to care.
- Advocacy and Awareness: We engage in advocacy, communication, and social mobilization to raise awareness, reduce stigma and discrimination, promote early HIV-TB detection, and ensure connection to care within the health sector.
Nurses Day: We ensure that our HIV-TB campaign messages are communicated during events celebrating International Nurses Day, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment.
Launch of a Workers’ Guide: In June 2015, Hospersa proudly launched “A Workers’ Guide – Addressing HIV & TB in the Workplace,” the first such guide in South Africa, spearheaded by workers, for workers.