Title: Gendering AIDS advocacy.

POPLINE Document Number: 195363

Author(s):

Nock S

Source citation:

Global AIDSLink, 2004 Apr-May;(85):20-21.

Abstract:

AIDS Agenda, the new campaign of the international development charity VSO, aims to focus attention on the need for more equality between women and men as part of an effective response to HIV and AIDS. VSO's new position paper, "Gendering AIDS: Women, Men, Mobilization, Empowerment" - the result of research undertaken in South Africa, India, Namibia and Cambodia - examines how inequalities between women and men have contributed to the spread of HIV and AIDS, and how these inequalities are exacerbated by the epidemic. Knowing that since the start of the epidemic, deep-rooted gender and economic inequalities have meant that women are less able than men to discuss sex, and less likely to have the economic means to protect themselves or to alleviate the burden of infection, AIDS Agenda recommends the following three-pronged advocacy approach: Increase the constructive involvement of men in activities and interventions designed to reduce gender inequalities and minimize the impact of HIV and AIDS; Address the immediate needs of women affected by HIV and AIDS, for example, as caregivers within the family and community; as people suffering from gender violence; and as individuals requiring treatment and attention for HIV and AIDS; and Continue to focus on directly empowering women to attain equality in the family, the workplace and the community by ensuring, in particular, that existing policies and commitments supporting women's rights are implemented. (excerpt)

Keywords:

South Africa
Namibia
Cambodia
India
AIDS Prevention
HIV Prevention
Advocacy
Campaigns
Gender Issues
Inequalities
Women's Empowerment
Policy
Africa, Southern
Africa, Sub Saharan
Africa
Developing Countries
Asia, Southeastern
Asia
Asia, Southern
AIDS
HIV Infections
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Communication
Communication Programs
Socioeconomic Factors
Economic Factors
Women's Status