Feminization of HIV/AIDS

The feminization of HIV epidemics has been steadily on the increase globally. In sub-Saharan Africa alone, 75 per cent of young people infected by the disease are females. Experts cite the lack of information on how female adolescents can protect themselves from HIV/AIDS, and sexual coercion and violence, and lack of sex and health education as major problems. The International Women’s Tribune Centre’s Women Ink Program is doing an excellent job in raising an awareness on this issue globally. This month, the issue of a monthly e-mail bulletin issue #77 is focused on the intersection between gender and HIV/AIDS. A book on “You, Your Life, Your Dreams and “Get the Facts”, a flipchart are printed for adolescents are produced by the Family Care International. The book on HIV and AIDS, edited by Alice Welbourne and Joanna Hoare, gives useful information on the analysis of the key challenge by HIV/AIDS on gender perspective in Cambodia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Papua New Guinea, the positive action by HIV positive women themselves, and community support. Gender Equality & HIV and AIDS: A Challenge for Education Sector, edited by Sheila Aikman, Elaine Unterhaiter & Tania Boler, to be released in August, will help those working on gender issue and HIV/AIDS in the field of education. The book gives new guide on the education of boys against violence against girls, and on teachers against sexual abuse of girls.

Filed under Gender Issues, World Affairs |