When : August 4, 2008 at 14: 00 – 14: 45
Where : Mexico City, Centro Banamex, Room 1 (Aztecas), Media Centre, Hall A, Level 2

Co-convened by the World YWCA and the International Community of Women Living with HIV and AIDS, the Forum attracted the largest global gathering of women living with HIV; nearly 300 women from around the world participated. The Forum created an agenda for positive women and provided the opportunity to network and build strategic partnerships. “Building on the successes and lessons of the Positive Women's Forum, the World YWCA continues to foster and affirm the leadership of positive women within the YWCA movement and to strengthening its partnerships with positive women's organisations,” says Susan Brennan, World YWCA President.

The report evaluates the Positive Women’s Forum and draws on feedback from participants and organisers. ‘Meetings of this kind need to be sustained in order to build upon the learning they generate to guide future policy and action, particularly if the participation of HIV positive women… is to [be] considered non-negotiable in the future AIDS response,” said one participant.

The report offers much-needed insight into the challenges positive women face and the solutions positive women leaders have to offer. “Positive women must become leaders,” says Dawn Averitt Bridge from the Well Project, “When united, positive women can represent the issues of those not included at the table.”

Panellist :
Dr Musimbi Kanyoro - Director of Population Program, The David and Lucille Packard Foundation and former General Secretary of the World YWCA
Dr Alice Welbourn - Dr Alice Welbourn, ICW representative and former chair
Kristan Schoultz - Director Global Coalition on Women and AIDS (UNAIDS)
Mony Pen - Asian activist and advocate for the rights of HIV-positive women around the world
Sophie Dilmitis - HIV and AIDS Coordinator, World YWCA

For more information and to book interviews contact:
Sylvie Jacquat tel: + 52 55 21767189 email: Sylvie.jacquat@worldywca.org
Visit: www.worldywca.org

For copies of the report please visit the World YWCA booth in the Centro Banamex Media Center