In Depth

Women and adolescent girls are socially, culturally, biologically, and economically more vulnerable to HIV than their male counterparts. Gender inequity results in women having less access to resources and tools to effectively prevent HIV/AIDS. Unequal access to information on how to prevent and treat HIV leaves women more vulnerable to infection and more susceptible to contracting AIDS.

According to the Global Campaign for Education, a minimum of a primary school education is necessary in order to benefit from health information programs. Girls disproportionately have a lower rate of participation in primary education. Studies have shown that educated women are more likely to know how to prevent the transmission of HIV, to delay sexual activity, and to take measures to protect themselves and their children.

The overall promotion and protection of the rights of women and girls must be an integral part of any HIV/AIDS campaign. Education programs should aim to inform communities about the importance of treating women equally and the importance of empowering them to negotiate their roles in their society.

You can find additional HIV/AIDS information and action ideas from the Action Center and Mercy Corps' Global Citizen Corps youth program.