The World YWCA will attend the meeting from June 10-11 to advocate for more accessible funding for women and HIV and AIDS. “Governments must commit to specific gender equality and women’s empowerment measures in their National Plans for HIV and AIDS in line with the Political Declaration and Plan of Action on HIV and AIDS. This must be accompanied by specific resource allocations. Targeted funding and gender responsive budgeting approaches for HIV and AIDS goes a long way in empowerment of women and reduction of gender inequalities, " says World YWCA General Secretary Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda.

The World YWCA will host a side event exploring ‘Financing and Resourcing Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in the context of HIV and AIDS’ during the High Level meeting. In partnership with UNIFEM, Global Coalition on Women and AIDS, Church World Service and the Ford Foundation, the session will inform participants on analysis and evidence that points to the links between gender inequality and women’s increased risk and vulnerability to HIV and AIDS. Speakers will also discuss the evidence that demonstrates the relationship between the leadership roles women in communities play as care givers, community health providers, volunteers and heads of households and how lack of financing for such leadership undermines a sustainable response to HIV.

“A gender sensitive response must invest in changing social, cultural and economic factors that put women and girls at risk. Investing in women and girls includes allocating flexible and adequate funds to organisations that reach women and girls, providing them with appropriate services and ensuring they have equal opportunities,” says Gumbonzvanda.

The World YWCA will attend several intergovernmental meetings on financing and will lobby to ensure women and HIV are included in discussions. The delegation will consist of World Board member Icilda Humes, World YWCA General Secretary Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda and World YWCA HIV and AIDS Co-ordinator Sophie Dilmitis.

External Links

High Level Meeting on HIV and AIDS 2008 Website

Information for civil society