HIV and AIDS disproportionately affect women and girls. In 2007, an estimated 15.4 million women were living with HIV—a 1.6 million increase from 2001; in sub-Saharan Africa, almost 61% of adults living with HIV in 2007 were women.

This is why HIV and AIDS has become the World YWCA’s priority issue for nearly a decade. The World YWCA has extensive expertise on HIV and AIDS with YWCAs in over 70 countries implementing programmes on sexual and reproductive health and HIV. This grassroots experience positions the YWCA as a vital partner in the global response to AIDS.

To ensure Universal Action Now, the World YWCA believes that women’s leadership is essential. Through satellite sessions, side events and workshop, the World YWCA will call on governments, international organisations, civil society and corporate sector to:

1. Invest in women and girls

Investing in women and girls means providing quality information on sexual and reproductive health. Young women are 1.6 times more likely to be living with HIV than young men. In 2007, 40% of young males and only 36% of young females had accurate HIV knowledge; yet the Universal Access target for HIV knowledge among youth is 95% by 2010 (1) . Investment also means providing adequate, accessible and flexible financial resources to communities in ways that empower women and reduce gender inequality.

2. Ensure the safety and security of women and girls

As long as women in their households, communities, schools and nations remain vulnerable to sexual and gender based violence, they remain vulnerable to contracting HIV. Preventing violence is in itself HIV prevention.

3. End stigma and discrimination

After 25 years of HIV, stigma and discrimination continue to drive the pandemic. Today, over 70 countries still impose some form of HIV-specific restrictions on entry and residency for people living with HIV. Such violation of human rights must be eliminated.

For further information, please contact: Sylvie Jacquat, World YWCA Communication Assistant sylvie.jacquat@worldywca.org or visit our website: www.worldywca.org