Existing misconceptions about HIV and AIDS, gender inequality and certain cultural practices and beliefs tend to aggravate an already difficult situation for people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. Instead of accompaniment and support, PLHIV often face exclusion from their families, friends and communities. Testing positive may change a person’s life in very dramatic ways but it is not the end of the world. Apart from medications there are many other ways in which people living with HIV and AIDS could have a healthy and productive life despite being positive.

This stream will look at the many issues that affect positive women face such as disclosure issues, pregnancy and reproductive health, parenting, dealing with stigma and discrimination, the GIPA (Greater Involvement of People Living with AIDS) principle and effective methods that support positive living.

Below is a list of workshops that are being offered under this stream:

• Self esteem and empowerment as a response to HIV and AIDS (Icw Costa Rica); July 5, 16h30-18h
• Self empowerment – a long term survival guide (Positive Women (Australia) IcwKwaids); July 5, 16h30 18h
• Using nutrition & herbs for long term survival with or without art (The Centre); July 4, 11h-12h30, 14h-15h30
• Combining living with HIV and motherhood (International Community Of Women Living With HIV and AIDS); July 4 ,11h-12h30
• Love, sex and abstinence (International Community Of Women Living With HIV and AIDS); July 4, 14h-15h30
• GIPA in action (International Community Of Women Living With HIV and AIDS); July 4, 11h-12h30
• HIV positive womens experience of accessing care, treatment and support (International Community Of Women Living With HIV and AIDS); July 7, 11h-12h30
• Claiming your rights in the workplace (UNAIDS); July 4, 14h-15h30