[afro-nets] Wits University HIV/AIDS in the Workplace Research Symposium

[Rachel Browne <hiv.workplace@nhls.ac.za>]

Wits University HIV/AIDS in the Workplace Research Symposium
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29th and 30th June, 2004
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
 
HIV/AIDS IN THE WORKPLACE
 
Members of Wits? Schools of Business, Economics, Law, Public 
Health and Social Sciences are organising an interdisciplinary 
HIV/AIDS in the Workplace Research Symposium. The Symposium aims 
to provide an opportunity for researchers from all academic dis-
ciplines and practitioners conducting ?action research? in work 
environments to present and discuss their work on HIV/AIDS in 
the workplace. Locating the Symposium within a university envi-
ronment provides a unique opportunity to consider the critical 
issue of HIV/AIDS in the workplace with rigour and freedom of 
expression.
 
The workplace provides an important node for interdisciplinary 
research into HIV/AIDS for a number of reasons.
 
* Workplaces are the location of economic activity on which many 
aspects of society depend.
 
* Workplaces are economic, social, and cultural institutions. 
Understanding the impact of HIV/AIDS on the workplace or under-
standing how best a response can be mounted is not possible us-
ing single research methodologies in isolation.
 
* People work in the workplace, but live, have sex, raise chil-
dren, are ill, and die elsewhere. While employment can be iso-
lated to the workplace other activities ? many of relevance to 
HIV/AIDS ? are located elsewhere. Understanding and responding 
to HIV/AIDS must therefore take into account factors beyond the 
traditional concerns of the workplace.
 
* The workplace is a site of social relationships. In South Af-
rica, it forms a key arena in which class, race, and gender re-
lationships are formed, maintained, and changed. HIV/AIDS and 
any response to it cannot be removed from these complex and 
changing sets of relationships.
 
* Management and unions in South Africa are seeking new roles in 
a transforming society. The importance of HIV/AIDS requires 
stakeholders to take up appropriate positions and obligations in 
respect to the epidemic.
 
 
SYMPOSIUM THEMES
 
Five themes have been selected for the Symposium. The aim of 
these themes is to encourage and promote applied or practical 
research, especially of an interdisciplinary nature. We encour-
age work that will develop and advance our understanding of 
HIV/AIDS in the workplace, that explores complex or difficult 
issues around HIV/AIDS and the workplace, and that looks ahead 
to future challenges for HIV/AIDS workplace responses.
 
* All together? Exploring tensions, contradictions and opportu-
nities around HIV/AIDS programmes in the workplace
 
* Projections vs. reality:  The real impact of HIV/AIDS in the 
workplace
 
* Workplace programmes in the era of treatment: What is best 
practice?
 
* HIV/AIDS and the ?atypical? workplace
 
* Workplace and society: Are there boundaries in responding to 
HIV/AIDS at work?
 
THE SYMPOSIUM
 
The two-day Symposium will include themed paper presentations, 
key-note speakers, round table discussions and opportunities for 
research-related networking.
 
 
For more information and abstract submission forms contact:
Rachel Browne
Centre for Health Policy
HIV/AIDS in the Workplace Symposium
PO Box 1038, Johannesburg 2000
Tel: +27-11-489-9881
Fax: +27-11-489-9900
mailto:hiv.workplace@nhls.ac.za
http://www.alp.org.za
 
Deadline for abstract submission: 1st March
Deadline for papers: 31st May