More feature stories on women and girls

Angolan women say ‘no’ to discrimination and ‘yes’ to gender equality
16 August 2012|
High-level women decision makers recently came together in the National Assembly of Angola to endorse the “Harare Call to Action” and discuss how the country will address HIV and gender-based violence. They engaged on issues related to domestic and sexual violence and the inclusion of women in decisions concerning their families, economic development, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Empowering marginalized and vulnerable communities in Namibia
13 August 2012|
The Khaibasen Community Project in Namibia has been engaged in raising awareness, providing education and giving voice to vulnerable communities, especially girls who are engaging in transactional sex to make ends meet.
Women everywhere have the right to informed consent
08 August 2012|
Since 2008, cases of forced sterilisation have been reported, among others, in Chile, the Dominican Republic, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Venezuela and Zambia.
Ways to improve women's health in the HIV context
24 July 2012|
Investing in HIV responses that address the needs and rights of women and girls was the main focus of a High-Level Panel meeting held at the 19th International AIDS Conference titled "Securing Investment in HIV and Gender Equality for Social Change".
Women speak out about HIV in the Middle East and North Africa
13 July 2012|
In “Standing Up, Speaking Out”, a new UNAIDS report launched today in Cairo, Egypt, 140 women living with HIV from 10 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) express the realities that shape the hopes and grievances of their lives.
Summit on Family Planning stresses on linkages with HIV services
13 July 2012|
Putting the spotlight back on family planning, the UK Government along with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation organised a summit in London to support the right of women and girls to decide, freely and for themselves, whether, when and how many children they have.
UNAIDS and UN Women unite against AIDS
05 June 2012|
The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) is the eleventh United Nations body to join the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) as a cosponsoring partner.
UNAIDS highlights Zimbabwe’s progress in responding to AIDS
28 May 2012|
UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé concluded his first official visit to Zimbabwe on 25 May after meeting with President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan R. Tsvangirai to highlight the country’s progress in the AIDS response.
Launch of African women’s leadership network aims to advance gender equality and AIDS response
24 May 2012|
Leading African women from national ministries and parliaments, the business community, networks of women living with HIV, and civil society and development organizations are in Zimbabwe’s capital to attend the inaugural meeting of the GlobalPOWER Women Network Africa. This women-led initiative will provide a strategic political platform to accelerate HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health and rights responses for women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa.
Prioritising gender equality in response to AIDS in Liberia
13 April 2012|
Cynthia Quaqua is a mother, wife, the president of the Liberian Women’s Empowerment Network (LIWEN), and, perhaps most importantly, a survivor. Raped by soldiers during the Liberian civil war, she became pregnant as a young woman. Years later she fell ill and was diagnosed with HIV. Suddenly, she found herself abandoned by her relatives even began discussing where to bury her.
Men playing a role in eliminating new HIV infections among children and keeping mothers alive
21 March 2012|
Sitting on a traditional stool at a Dare—a special meeting platform—Chief Chiveso of Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe speaks to men about the possibility of having babies born HIV free and keeping their mothers alive. For that to happen, stresses the Chief, there is a need to challenge harmful cultural and religious practices that can affect community responses to HIV.
UNAIDS and UNDP commend New Zealand’s leadership in the HIV response
13 March 2012|
UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé and UNDP Administrator Helen Clark praised New Zealand as a model for the AIDS response in a joint meeting on 6 March with the country’s Prime Minister, John Key.
HIV increasingly threatens women in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
12 March 2012|
The glamorous world of pop music and the grim realities of the HIV epidemic in Eastern Europe and Central Asia may seem like strange bedfellows. However, Russian singer and AIDS activist, Julia Lasker, engages in both with full commitment.
United States Congressional Staff first-hand view of Zambia’s AIDS response
09 March 2012|
A delegation of nine United States Congressional staff members travelled to Zambia from 18 – 24 February. The aim of the visit was to have a first-hand understanding of the progress made and challenges remaining in scaling up HIV treatment, care and prevention programs in one of the most heavily impacted countries Sub-Saharan Africa.
President of Fiji commits to easing HIV burden for women in the Pacific region
08 March 2012|
Speaking at a meeting on International Women’s Day in Suva, capital city of Fiji, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé praised President Ratu Epeli Nailitikau for his “remarkable leadership” and personal engagement in the AIDS response at country, regional and global levels.
Women need access to dual protection—effective contraceptives and HIV prevention options
16 February 2012|
A stakeholder consultation convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva has reviewed recent epidemiological studies related to HIV transmission and acquisition by women using hormonal contraceptives. After careful review of all available evidence, the stakeholders found that the data were not sufficiently conclusive to change current guidance.
Stopping new HIV infections among children a key priority for new OAFLA chair
31 January 2012|
Speaking at the 11th General Assembly of the Organization of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) on 30 January, Madame Penehupifo Pohamba, First Lady of Namibia, identified the prevention of new HIV infections among children as a key objective for her new term as President of OAFLA.
High-Level Taskforce to tackle gender inequality
08 December 2011|
A new High-Level Taskforce on Women, Girls, Gender Equality and HIV for Eastern and Southern Africa was launched on 7 December at ICASA. The aim of the Taskforce is engage in high-level political advocacy in support of accelerated country actions and monitoring the implementation of the draft Windhoek Declaration for Women, Girls, Gender Equality and HIV.
Women living with HIV championing the response to AIDS in Kenya
31 October 2011|
A National Leadership Conference in Kenya brings together women living with HIV to join forces against AIDS.
MDG-6 Forum addresses challenges faced by women and girls affected by HIV in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
13 October 2011|
Women, girls and HIV were the focus of a panel discussion on the final day of the International Forum on MDG-6 in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Moderated by UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador James Chau, the session included representatives from government, civil society and international development organizations.

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