For International Women’s Day, the Youth Hub at IAS – the International AIDS Society – hosted “Let her lead: Women-led approaches in the HIV response”, bringing together four young women to answer questions and showcase the valuable work women do in the HIV response. The webinar highlighted the links between gender inequality and HIV outcomes, explored strategies and solutions to address gender-specific challenges, and created a safe space for questions and discussions.
Adolescent girls and young women bear a disproportionate HIV burden. In 2022, 77% of new HIV acquisitions in central, eastern, southern and western Africa were among adolescent girls and young women, three times higher than in boys and young men of the same age (UNAIDS, 2022). Data points to a clear shortage of gender-sensitive, youth-friendly and integrated HIV and reproductive health services designed for and by adolescent girls and young women.
This webinar, on 12 March, offered participants insights into the intersections of HIV and gender to discuss specific challenges related to women living with and affected by HIV, provided participants with tips and creative solutions to overcome gender-specific challenges, and gave participants space to ask questions and seek advice from experts.
