Gender equality crucial in stemming HIV/AIDS pandemic

The Women's Leadership Centre (WLC) has called for "full and urgent implementation" of the National Gender Policy, as gender equality is an integral part of preventing and treating HIV/AIDS. WLC Director Elizabeth /Khaxas said HIV/AIDS was a disease of inequality and marginalisation, and the eradication of gender inequality should become the main strategy for preventing the spread of the disease. /Khaxas told delegates at a conference on Women's Rights, HIV/AIDS and Writing that "women and girls who know and can exercise their rights will understand their right to life as a right to struggle for". Participants demanded that the government make employment for women a priority, as they were particularly at risk due to increasing poverty in the country, and "to work towards creating a compassionate and enabling society". "Women who are dependent on boyfriends and husbands will not have the courage to demand the use of condoms," said participant Nadia Ihuhua. "You cannot say 'no' to unprotected sex at night and ask your boyfriend in the morning to give you taxi money."