Technical dialogue with states & non-state actors

The amplification of engagement on Ending Violence Against Women, and HIV/AIDS

UN Women Papua New Guinea, in collaboration with UNAIDS, the National AIDS Council Secretariat, and the Network of Women Living with HIV/AIDS, held an event on the disproportionate violence faced by women living with HIV in Papua New Guinea. With 58 per cent of women in the country having experienced violence at some point, the risk is even greater for those living with HIV. The event, which took place on December 8, 2022, was part of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. Its goal was to give these women a bigger voice and bring attention to the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to HIV prevention and response that considers how gender-based violence and discrimination affect each other. By coming together and working towards a shared goal, we can create a safer, more equitable future for women in Papua New Guinea.

This report is a summary of the technical dialogue between women with HIV/AIDS and about 100 experts and parties, such as donors and community members, about the multiple forms of gender-based violence (GBV) and the denial of human rights that women with HIV/AIDS and other women in Papua New Guinea (PNG) face. These women include those physically challenged or disabled, sex workers, lesbians, and transwomen.

The dialogue was held during the 16/20 Days of Activism. It provided an avenue to be bold and frank in discussing violence against women (VAW) and HIV issues and emphasized the need to ensure the adequacy and sustainability of the long-term global goal considering the eventual objective of accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 on gender equality, SDG 3 on health, and SDG 17 on partnerships.