Women unite at AIDS 2008
‘All Women, All Rights!’ shouted women and girls as they participated in the Women and Girls Rally and March at the XVII International AIDS Conference in Mexico City on August 5. Women and girls from all walks of life, faiths, ages, education, cultures and HIV status joined in solidarity to raise awareness of the gap between international commitments and the reality in the response to women and HIV.
With the slogan ‘All Women All Rights’, the march raised the visibility of critical rights concerns facing women in the context of HIV and AIDS. In particular, the march highlighted the civil, economic and cultural rights and stigma and discrimination that still persists all over the world.
The World YWCA ‘AIDS 2008’ delegation took part in the march to ensure the three key message of invest in women, ensure the safety and security of women and girls and end stigma and discrimination were heard loud and clear.
“ As the HIV pandemic becomes more feminised, it is important for world leaders to build on the capacity and leadership of women and girls at the frontline of the HIV response. Invest in women and girls, ensure the safety and security of women and girls and lets end stigma and discrimination, “ said World YWCA General Secretary Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda.
Hundreds of women and girls attended the rally, including high profile singer Annie Lennox. Lennox, an Oxfam global ambassador, said “The feminism of AIDS has ramifications for our whole society. If we cease to respect the mother, we cease to be human and all mankind is in jeopardy. This is a ticking time bomb and it is criminal to let it continue.”
Lennox also has launched a campaign called “Sing” which includes a song she recorded with 23 female singers to raise money for HIV and AIDS. The song calls on women and girls to sing out on the issue of HIV and AIDS and help break the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS. —–
The World YWCA is participating in the XVII International AIDS Conference with a delegation of 25 women from around the world. Read about their experience on our website and read personal reflections from a young woman attending the conference on our ‘Women Leading Change’ blog.
website:
blog:
http://womenleadingchange.wordpress.com
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