Alfred, Janice

The 45th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women: Gender Discrimination and the AIDS pandemic

This article reviewing the 45th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women begins by outlining the work and mandate of the Commission. During the 45th session, the connections between gender and the AIDS epidemic were a particular focus. The Commission noted that the imbalance of power between men and women is a significant cause of the spread of HIV/AIDS. The consensus during the meeting was on the need for a holistic approach to women's empowerment.

Violence Against Women and HIV/AIDS: Critical Intersections: Sexual Violence in Conflict Settings and the Risk of HIV

This bulletin addresses how conflict situations increase the risk of sexual violence and vulnerability to HIV for women and girls: women in conflict have usually fled their homes, lost their families and livelihoods, and have little or no access to health care. The bulletin discusses how these factors allow for situations where abusive sexual relationships are more accepted, and where sex is viewed as an easy service to obtain.