The Stephen Lewis Foundation Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign

The Stephen Lewis Foundation is built on a foundation of feminism, anti-colonialism, social justice, and global solidarity. For more than 20 years, the SLF has challenged traditional power structures in international development and philanthropy by shifting funding into the hands of local communities. Twenty years ago, when Stephen Lewis was the UN Special Envoy for HIV and AIDS in Africa, he was appalled that the international community was so lethargic in their response to the AIDS pandemic, and at the same time, he was inspired by the work happening in communities. Stephen Lewis saw that communities had the knowledge and the expertise, what they were missing were the funds. The SLF has spent the last twenty years partnering with community-led organizations who are championing health and human rights in communities that continue to be affected by the HIV epidemic

On International Women’s Day in 2006, Stephen Lewis, alongside actress and activist Shirley Douglas, former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, and South African grandmothers Rose Letabwa and Lucia Mazibuko announced the launch of the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign.. Since 2006, more than $40 million has been raised in support of grandmothers and the community-led organizations that support them across 14 countries in Africa. In the face of discrimination based on gender, age, and HIV status, they are courageous advocates for their families and communities.

Starting with a few groups in Canada, the Grandmothers Campaign now includes 10,000 grandmothers and grandothers in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

A special celebration of the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign will take place in Ottawa on October 5-7, 2026. This gathering will bring Canadian grandmothers, grandothers, allies, donors and African partners and community leaders together for an inspiring event.