Empowering 500 Rwandan women living with HIV/AIDS

Human Rights First Rwanda Association organised a two-day seminar on March 7^th and 8^th   that addressed the vulnerability of the adolescent and preadolescent girls to HIV/AIDS. The meeting was attended by over 40 participants.

The objectives of the meeting were firstly to bring together representatives of  women groups, Local leaders  and researchers to share their knowledge and experience on strategies to address sexual exploitation, abuse and vulnerability to HIV. Secondly, to come up with recommendations for a plan of action to raise  awareness of the vulnerability of girls and young women to HIV/AIDS. And lastly, to advance the recommendations of international conventions on the rights of children and young people, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child

It was pointed out that HIV/AIDS and the vulnerability of the girl child is a human rights issue and requires the use of both National legislation and international instruments as a priority action. Young girls are being infected with HIV at an alarmingly higher rate than any other age group in Rwanda because of their biological susceptibility to reproductive tract infections. Sexual activity often starts as early as 14 years, while adolescent pregnancy figures indicate that 60% of births occur to girls 17 years and under. However, the sexual exploitation, abuse and lack of negotiating power and gender discrimination against young girls further compound this situation. Where violence initiates a girl’s sexuality, it often conditions and dictates their future attitudes and perceptions of sex, limiting their desire to pursue safe sex, and reduces their self-esteem and confidence.

The seminar concluded that urgent action is required to raise young girls’ voices and rights, to highlight best practices as well as National advocacy to focus on the vulnerability of the girl child.

• Seminar pictures (DOCX)