On International Women’s Day, we recognize not only the ongoing fight for gender equality but also the extraordinary resilience and leadership of women who have lived with HIV for decades. These women are challenging stigma, shaping the future of HIV advocacy, and demonstrating that living with HIV is not a barrier to a full and meaningful life. Their stories are a powerful testament to strength, courage, and the importance of community.
For many women living with HIV, the journey has been marked by systemic inequalities, discrimination, and a lack of access to equitable healthcare. Yet, their experiences are not simply stories of survival; they are blueprints for justice, demanding bodily autonomy, pleasure without shame, and a greater voice in research, and policy. A new initiative, “Long-Term Survivors of HIV – Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future,” aims to amplify these voices and transform lived experiences into tools for advocacy, education, and system change.
The project, spearheaded by the European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG), will gather narratives from long-term and lifetime survivors, creating a “Legacy Chest” of stories to guide improvements in care, research, and policy for those ageing with HIV. This initiative recognizes that women living with HIV are not just patients, but historians, leaders, and architects of a more just HIV response.
“HIV thrives where gender inequality persists,” states Dr. Nicoletta Policek, Executive Director of EATG. This underscores the critical link between social determinants of health and the disproportionate impact of HIV on women. Addressing these inequalities is not merely a matter of social justice, but a fundamental component of ending AIDS as a public health threat.
The experiences of these women highlight the pervasive stigma that continues to surround HIV, often compounded by misogyny, sexism, racism, and what’s been termed “medical patriarchy.” Linda H. Scruggs, Co-Executive Director of Ribbon – A Center of Excellence, embodies this resilience, sharing that as a woman living with HIV for 35 years, she has “loved, led, and lived beyond stigma and silence.” She asserts that on International Women’s Day, women with HIV are not merely surviving, but actively “shaping history.”
The power of openly sharing experiences is a recurring theme. Olimbi Hoxhaj, Executive Director of PLWHA Albanian Association, emphasizes that “stigma weakens in the presence of courage.” For Hoxhaj, living openly is not only a source of personal freedom but also a beacon of hope for others still searching for acceptance and support. She has lived with HIV as a woman, a mother, and an advocate for over two decades.
The Global Impact of HIV on Women
Globally, in 2024, approximately 4,000 adolescent girls and young women acquired HIV each week, according to UNAIDS data. A staggering 3,300 of these new infections occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the region’s acute vulnerability. This translates to women and girls accounting for roughly two in every three new HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa, a statistic that demands urgent attention and targeted interventions.
Advancements in Prevention and Care
Whereas the challenges remain significant, advancements in HIV testing, treatment, and prevention offer hope. Initiatives like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are crucial in protecting women and girls at risk, reducing the risk of contracting HIV from sexual contact by up to 99% according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. However, ensuring these advancements reach all women, particularly those in underserved populations, remains a critical priority.
The “Long-Term Survivors of HIV – Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future” project aims to address these gaps by centering the voices of those most affected. By documenting their experiences and creating a shared resource of narratives, the project seeks to inform better care, research, and policy for people ageing with HIV. Learn more about the project here.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, It’s essential to honour the past, amplify the present, and commit to a future where the voices of women living with HIV continue to guide the HIV response. Their leadership and resilience are not only inspiring but are vital to achieving a world free from HIV and full of equity.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about health topics and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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