20th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2014)

In July WGNRR’s Asia Programme Officer Marevic Parcon attended the AIDS 2014 Conference, where in addition to representing WGNRR, Marevic was also a part of the Women’s Networking Zone (WNZ), a community-led forum running parallel to AIDS 2014. Marevic noted on AIDS 2014: “I was happy to be part of AIDS 2014 and WNZ. It is important that SRHR activists participate in HIV conferences to build bridges between SRHR and HIV movements. WNZ showed how important it is to provide spaces for the SRHR community to engage with the HIV movement”.

Opening of WNZ
At the opening of WNZ Marevic spoke about the need for HIV and SRHR movements to work together and the importance of spaces like WNZ for women and girls living with HIV to discuss not only HIV but also women’s human rights and SRHR.

AIDS 2014 March
Marevic joined around 1,500 people for a march and candlelight vigil to remember the 35 million people who have been lost as a result of HIV or AIDS. WNZ marched chanting “women’s rights are human rights”.

Session on SRHR of women living with HIV
In cooperation with the International Community of Women Living with HIV WGNRR held a session at WNZ, Strengthening Partnerships for Advancing SRHR of Women and Girls Living with HIV, focused on the ways donors could facilitate the integration of SRHR and HIV issues. Mr. Lambert Grijns, Ducth Ambassador for SRHR & HIV/AIDS, and Mr. Murray Proctor, Former Ambassador for HIV of the Australian Government, spoke at the event. Both Grijns and Proctor committed to engage with CSOs to strengthen partnerships for HIV prevention.

Closing of AIDS 2014
During the closing ceremony governments and organisations were called on to ensure universal access to prevention, treatment and care not only for HIV but also for other health issues emphasizing the need to advance human rights in mobilising against AIDS and to ensure that the dignity of all people, equity in access to health services and social justice are respected.