This session will explore the role of religion in preventing HIV among women and girls. It will examine how religious groups can provide stronger leadership in preventing rising infection rates among young people. It will also discuss the impact of messages from religious leaders on women, and put forward strategies for balancing religious views with women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights. The session will explore the theological and non-denominational challenges associated with ecumenical responses, posing ways forward for finding common ground. It will focus on ensuring the Christian response to HIV and AIDS is inclusive of positive people and share ways of strengthening the involvement and leadership of HIV positive Christians in the churches. From Africa to Asia, North America to Latin America, this session will outline how religious groups can provide greater leadership on HIV and AIDS.

Speakers :

Mabel Bianco : Executive Director, FIEM

Anne Marie Helland : Special Advisor on on social and political Rights in Norwegian Church Aid

Sam Kobia : General Secretary of the World Council of Churches

Sr Maria Martinelli : AIDS project coordinator of the International Unions of Superiors Generals of Catholic religious Orders

Lakmikkanthi Rupesinghe : National General Secretary of the National YWCA of Sri Lanka

Phumzile Zondi-Mabizela : Board member of ANARELA+