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World YWCA to keep women and girls on the agenda at AIDS 2008

published: 25 Jul 2008 — 14:59

last modified: 25 Jul 2008 — 16:03

World YWCA

The voices of women and girls will not be lost at the upcoming AIDS 2008 meeting in Mexico City from August 3-8. AIDS 2008 is the largest and most comprehensive gathering of organisations focused on HIV, and the World YWCA delegation will maintain a focus on women and girls throughout AIDS 2008.

Led by World YWCA President Susan Brennan and World YWCA General Secretary Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, the World YWCA delegation will participate in workshops, satellite sessions and various events as they highlight the challenges women and girls face in the context of HIV and AIDS.

“The key messages the World YWCA will take to AIDS 2008 address the gender dimensions of HIV and AIDS. Invest in women and girls, ensure the safety and security of women and girls and end stigma and discrimination,” says Gumbonzvanda.

HIV and AIDS has been a World YWCA priority issue for nearly a decade and World YWCA President Susan Brennan is determined to build on the progress the World YWCA has made in promoting women's leadership in the response to HIV and AIDS. " Our extraordinary progress on HIV and AIDS advocacy and programme delivery for women is evidence of what we can achieve with a targeted strategy, dedicated resources and a clear advocacy campaign", says Brennan.

The World YWCA sits on the Conference Coordinating Commitee (CCC) of the International AIDS Conference (IAC) and has been representing women, youth and faith-based groups in preparation of the event. The World YWCA committeed to increase the participation of women and girls by facilitating a series of workshops that promoted and explored the intricacies of the IAC. The workshops were held in Mexico, Ghana and Albania.

“The International AIDS Conference is by far the largest gathering of organisations addressing HIV. The conference will provide an opportunity for delegates from around the YWCA movement to share their work and further strengthen HIV responses by engaging with other women from around the world,” says World YWCA HIV and AIDS Co-ordinator, Sophie Dilmitis who will also attend AIDS 2008.

Since 1999, the World YWCA has mobilised women and girls in local communities to respond to HIV and AIDS. YWCAs in over 70 countries have developed a solid base of programmes that address the pandemic at multiple levels.

Keep up to date with the World YWCA during AIDS 2008 by visiting our website where we will feature daily news from Mexico City.

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