UN countries have endorsed a resolution aimed at promoting gender equality and combating the AIDS epidemic. Resolution 60/2 on Women, Girls and HIV/AIDS, adopted during the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) on 22 March, emphasizes the critical importance of prioritizing the health and rights of adolescent girls and young women in the context of the ongoing global AIDS pandemic.
Recognizing the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on adolescent girls and young women due to entrenched socio-economic disparities, including gender inequalities, poverty, and limited access to education and healthcare, the updated resolution highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Crucially, the resolution reaffirms the centrality of advancing gender equality in the fight against AIDS and echoes commitments articulated in the 2021 United Nations General Assembly Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS. It calls upon governments worldwide to enact and enforce laws and policies aimed at eradicating all forms of gender-based violence, alongside efforts to dismantle HIV-related stigma and discrimination against women and girls. Additionally, it advocates for the active involvement and leadership of women and girls living with HIV in shaping the AIDS response.
Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, commended the adoption of the resolution, emphasizing its significance in prioritizing the diverse health and rights needs of women and girls. By addressing HIV comprehensively and championing gender equality, leaders are poised to foster a more equitable and resilient future.
Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, Deputy Executive Director of UN Women, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the imperative of empowering women, securing their rights, and achieving equality as fundamental steps towards global progress.
It is imperative to translate the commitments articulated in the resolution into tangible actions at national, regional, and global levels. Efforts must prioritize bridging the gender gap in HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support, while simultaneously addressing the root causes of gender-based discrimination, violence, and inequalities. These efforts are crucial in mitigating the vulnerability of women and girls to HIV/AIDS and fostering a more resilient society.