Working Group on Gender and HIV

Gender inequality both fuels and intensifies the impact of the HIV epidemic and is most effectively addressed on the national and community level… Reducing gender inequality requires changing social norms, attitudes and behaviours through a comprehensive set of policies and strategies.
- extract from UNAIDS website

Introduction
The HIV and AIDS epidemic is both fuelled by and exacerbates gender inequality. The response to this epidemic has been radically weakened by a superficial engagement with gender issues. In order to strengthen this response we must focus more meaningfully on the relationships between men and women with regard to HIV and AIDS. There needs to be more engaged analysis and exploration of systemic gender inequalities, of how gender norms affect the impact of HIV on men and women and makes them vulnerable in the face of the epidemic. We must also acknowledge the diversity within gender issues and ensure that we engage with a wide audience, including people living with HIV and AIDS The human right to universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support will never be realised unless these considerations are fully addressed.

Aim of the Working Group
This working group will deepen debate and discussion and share expertise on issues related to gender and HIV and AIDS in order to better influence more effective policy and practice.

Objectives
1) To share, reflect and learn from the experiences of members, networks, people living with HIV and AIDS and external organisations in relation to gender, including issues of equity and diversity, and HIV and AIDS.

2) To be the critical eye ensuring that capacity is strengthened to address gender issues within all the work of the Consortium and its’ member organisations.

3) To influence, and lobby when necessary, the policy and practice of external stakeholders including government agencies and international institutions.

4) To work with organisations and networks with compatible objectives to this end.

Role of working group members
Members of the working group will be expected to notify the group of opportunities as they arise, respond to such opportunities and input into policy and programme learning on gender and HIV and AIDS.

Remit of the working group
Where appropriate, the working group will function as an advisory group for the Consortium to enhance gender perspectives in its work. The working group does not aim to take on gender-specific work packages for Consortium or its working groups, but to collaborate with them to strengthen their gender focus.

Where appropriate, sub-groups can be formed to respond to specific opportunities or to undertake time bound tasks.

Current Organisational Members
The Gender Working Group was formed in March 2006 and its first meeting took place in September 2006. Current membership includes: Advantage Africa, African HIV Policy Network (AHPN), AMREF UK, CAFOD, Christian Aid, The Department of Public Health and Policy at LSHTM, HelpAge International, The Institute for International Health and Development at Queen Margaret University College, International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS (ICW), International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Learning for Life, Interact Worldwide, Naz Foundation, Panos Institute, Progressio, Tearfund, VSO, WOMANKIND Worldwide

Becoming a Member
All Consortium members are welcome to join the working group. Membership is also open, by invitation, to non-member organisations that have experience in the thematic area, and wish to work with us, although we would encourage them to become members if at all possible. If you would like to become involved contact Sabrina Erné at: sabrina@aidsconsortium.org.uk or telephone 020 73244780