Gender Equality and HIV Resource Persons and Agencies

RATIONALE
Across the world, there has been a changing pattern of male/female infections. Early
cases in many countries were concentrated in male homosexuals and intravenous
drug users, but as the epidemic has spread there has been a progressive shift
towards heterosexual transmission and increasing infection rates in females. The
reality today is that, globally, more women than men are now dying of HIV and
AIDS with significantly different age patterns of infection.
Beyond the statistics of sex-based differences in infection rates, there are profound
differences in the underlying causes and consequences of HIV and AIDS infections
in males and females. This reflects differences in biology, sexual behaviour, social
attitudes and pressures, economic power and vulnerability. Often, the inequity that
women and girls experience as a result of HIV and AIDS is a measurement of
their (generally) different and lower status in society in relation to men and boys
and the discrimination they encounter in many spheres, including health, education
and employment.
Based on these reasons, HIV and AIDS are regarded by development specialists as
inherently a gender-based issue. They argue that the epidemic needs to be seen in
this light if it is to be addressed effectively. It is so significant that it is posited that
HIV and AIDS will only be conquered when the effort to achieve gender equality
is successful.
PROCESS FOR INCLUSION IN THE REGISTRY
By invitation and referral for the experts in gender and HIV and by dint of being
trained by the Project. The Registry therefore also provides a record of those
benefiting from training in Gender and HIV.
SELECTION
Review of individual Resumes for training and /or experience that would include
some or all of the following knowledge and skill areas
KNOWLEDGE AREAS:
Of HIV and AIDS and Gender equality within a human rights frame; as it relates
to HIV.
1.
HIV epidemiology – general sex disaggregated information on the incidence,
prevalence and characteristics of the epidemic; and underlying causes of
transmission locally, regionally and internationally, inclusive of the gender
perspective.
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