The YWCA of Naucalpan has worked on HIV and AIDS programmes since 2005. The association offers workshops on personal development, safe sex and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with a strong focus on female and male condoms. Among their prevention efforts, the association provides Telmex, the largest cellular phone company in Mexico, with HIV prevention training.

In her welcoming address, Leticia Camacho, President of the YWCA of Mexico, spoke of the importance of AIDS 2008 and the Ecumenical Pre-conference being held in Mexico and stressed to the World YWCA delegation that HIV and AIDS in the Latin American region has become a feminised epidemic.

Although Mexico is home to 11% of people living with HIV in Latin America, Mexico’s epidemic had leveled off somewhat in recent years but there has been a gradual shift towards higher infection rates among injecting drug users and women.

Ana Maria Figueroa, President of YWCA of Naucalpan, also welcomed the World YWCA delegation. “As a member of the World YWCA, the YWCA of Naucalpan is committed to the advocacy priorities of the movement, including sexual reproductive health and rights and HIV and AIDS, “ said Figueroa.

A power point presentation and engaging question and answer session gave the World YWCA delegation an opportunity to learn more about the YWCA of Naucalpans prevention programmes. The association facilitates workshops on the female condom for young women in an engaging and youth friendly style to empower young people to develop HIV skills around HIV prevention.

Susan Brenann, World YWCA President, was visibly impressed with the work of the YWCA of Naucalpan and congratulated them on their efforts to address the needs of women and young women in their local community. She went on to say that Universal Action Now , the theme of AIDS 2008, is about action for those present in Mexico but also for those who are not. “The local YWCA community is the heart and soul of the YWCA movement. The work of the community gives our voice at the international level more power, “ said Brenann.

Silvanna Ayaipoma, World Board member from the Latin America region, also noted how special it was for the World YWCA to be in Latin America and acknowledged the important efforts of the World Office to bring such a large delegation from different regions to Mexico. “The leadership of the YWCA of Mexico affirms young women leadership, and I hope the rest of the region will follow this example, “ said Ayaipoma.

World YWCA General Secretary Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda congratulated the association on their work with young women and women in Naucalpan and highlighted the importance of AIDS 2008 being held in Mexico. “We are in Mexico for a deep reason, which is to connect the local to the global and to push issues that are dear to our hearts. The next 10 days will be crucial in finding solutions. Our hope is for the voice of the YWCA to be different from the other voices we will hear at AIDS 2008 because it is a voice grounded in experiences at local level, a voice that gives leadership opportunities to young women and a voice that builds on the advice and wisdom of older women, “ said Gumbonzvanda. She promised that the World YWCA delegation would do their best to carry the voices of Naucalpan to AIDS 2008.

The visit was an excellent opportunity for the regionally diverse World YWCA delegation to learn more about the reality of women and girls in Mexico. “Today is a joyous occasion as we all come together for the first time. Throughout the coming days when we will encounter obstacles, frustrations, communication challenges and exhaustion, let us keep this spirit of excitement, optimism and celebration alive – for we in the YWCA know all about the positive power of women’s leadership and how it can change lives and communities, “ concluded Brennan.

Related Links

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

Press Releases and Media Advisories AIDS 2008

World YWCA calender of events at AIDS 2008

An introduction to AIDS 2008