LS&Co. Unzipped

Welcome to our blog. Here’s where you’ll find a “behind-the-seams” look at what’s going on with Levi Strauss & Co. You’ll hear from a variety of voices, from both inside and outside the company. And you have the chance to share your thoughts. So read on — and weigh in!

Dec 01 2010

Scenes From An Epidemic

Here’s the scene: A soccer camp for the children of Levi’s employees in South Africa. In addition to sharpening their skills, the kids also learn about HIV/AIDS. Judging from the questions they ask, it’s clear the kids don’t discuss this issue with their parents or teachers. It’s good they had this opportunity.

Another scene: An HIV/AIDS training session for Levi’s retail employees in South Africa. A counselor offers an HIV test to anyone interested. Several of the female team members agreed. None of the guys did. Still, the offer stands.

One more scene: A demonstration of a female condom. We started with only four or five women in the room. By the end, though, it was full. After all, it’s easy to tell everyone to use a condom, but what are women supposed to do when their partners refuse?

I’ve been a witness to all of these scenes.

My job is in learning and development for the Levi’s® brand in South Africa. As a result of the company’s commitment to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care for its employees around the world, a portion of the training I lead goes well beyond routine retail issues. And with good reason.

The United Nations estimated 5.6 million people were living with HIV and AIDS in South Africa last year, more than in any other country. Almost one-third of women aged 25-29, and more than one-fourth of men aged 30-34, are living with HIV. The numbers are sobering.

Clearly, we have much work to do. And we’re not sitting still.

Today, on World AIDS Day, we’re partnering with Levi Strauss & Co.’s global employee HIV/AIDS program team to launch a pilot program for our retail employees. These are primarily young people, particularly at risk of infection.

The more our employees learn about HIV and AIDS, the better prepared they are to not only protect themselves from being infected, but also to share what they’ve learned with others. And if they are HIV-positive, they can find out what kind of services the company provides to prolong their lives.

The one scene I’d like to eventually describe is that of an HIV-free generation. It’ll take the sharing of much information and care, but I truly believe it’s possible.

Durward

Posted By: Dominique Durward, Levi's Training and Development, Cape Town

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Tags: Levi Strauss & Co.,LS&Co,Social Responsibility

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