GENEVA, Switzerland, November 25, 2024 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- Gender-based violence remains one of the most appalling violations of human rights. It also thwarts efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat, because intimate partner violence is linked to an increased risk of HIV acquisition among women and undermines access to testing and treatment .
Worldwide, one in eight women or girls are victims of sexual violence before the age of 18. Harmful gender norms, low priority given to safe, quality and affordable sexual and reproductive health services, and fragile health systems increase women’s risk of contracting HIV and prevent access to services. against HIV.
Additionally, women and girls living with HIV are too often stigmatized by health service providers. They also face pressure not to have children, forced sterilization or termination of pregnancy. So many human rights violations.
“We must fight patriarchy and poverty to keep girls in school and we must provide women and girls with safe spaces, economic opportunities and ensure their recognition and leadership,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS.
“We must also fight against rigid norms and stereotypes that perpetuate unhealthy masculinity and gender-based violence.
Gender-related killings of women and girls are the deadliest outcome of gender-based violence, with a woman killed every 11 minutes. This situation is unacceptable. In 2022, the number of women and girls intentionally killed – almost 89,000 – is the highest on record in the past 20 years. According to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), women from key populations – transgender women, sex workers, and LGBTQ+ human rights defenders – are also particularly at risk of femicide.
This year, on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the campaign was launched with the theme “Unite to end violence against women”. towards women and girls: Towards Beijing +30”. These 16 days of activism remind us that 30 years after the Beijing Declaration – a blueprint for achieving gender equality and the rights of women and girls everywhere – the world is far from being a world egalitarian.
UNAIDS remains committed to working collaboratively with governments, businesses, civil society, communities and especially women’s movements and networks to create a world where the rights and dignity of all women and girls are respected and protected, including women and girls living with HIV, at risk of infection and affected by the virus.
Launched in 1991, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign that begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and continues until November 10. December, International Human Rights Day.
UNAIDS
The Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) guides and mobilizes the international community to achieve its shared vision: “Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths. » UNAIDS brings together the efforts of 11 UN agencies – UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank. It works closely with global and national partners to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. To find out more, visit unaids.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram et YouTube.
Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) for UNAIDS.
Source : African Media Agency (AMA)
2024-11-25 09:18:00
#UNAIDS #calls #violence #women #girls #excuses #
How does the experience of intimate partner violence increase a woman’s risk of contracting HIV?
## Interview with Winnie Byanyima: Ending Gender-Based Violence to End HIV
**Introduction:**
Today we’re joined by Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, to discuss the crucial link between gender-based violence and the HIV epidemic.
**Interviewer:** Winnie, thank you for joining us. The latest UNAIDS figures paint a stark picture of the impact gender-based violence has on the fight against HIV. Could you elaborate on this connection?
**Winnie Byanyima:** Thank you for having me. Indeed, gender-based violence is a major obstacle to ending HIV. Firstly, intimate partner violence increases women’s vulnerability to HIV infection. Secondly, it creates barriers to accessing testing and treatment for HIV. The fear of violence and stigma often silences women, preventing them from seeking the care they need.
**Interviewer:** The statistics are truly alarming. What steps can we take to address this critical issue?
**Winnie Byanyima:** We need a multifaceted approach:
1. **Tackle Root Causes:** We must confront deeply entrenched patriarchy and poverty. Empowering women economically and facilitating their education are crucial.
2. **Safe Spaces and Support:** Creating safe spaces for women and girls, offering psychosocial support, and ensuring access to legal aid are essential.
3. **Challenge Harmful Norms:** We need to dismantle harmful gender norms and stereotypes, promoting healthy masculinity and respectful relationships.
4. **Integrate GBV Responses:** HIV prevention programs need to integrate comprehensive responses to gender-based violence.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the
**16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence**
. What is the significance of this campaign?
**Winnie Byanyima:** This global campaign is a powerful reminder that ending violence against women and girls requires sustained commitment. It’s about amplifying the voices of survivors and demanding accountability for perpetrators.
It’s also a call to action for collective responsibility, urging governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals to actively work towards gender equality and the eradication of violence.
**Interviewer:** What message would you give to our audience today?
