Violence against women is an issue that goes a long way. Different situations, whether social, racial, cultural and religious have always placed the woman in a situation of disadvantage and weakness, which inevitably has led to a potential risk to sexual violence, women trafficking for sexual exploitation, child marriage and other practices that violate the integrity of women, regardless of culture or religion to which they belong.
All these situations endanger thousands of girls and young women to acquire HIV and any other sexually transmitted infections that might put their lives at risk. All this, without taking into account the prohibition of the enjoyment of their sex life. The position of subordination that keep many women and girls in their families, communities and societies limited their possibilities of access to information on sexual and reproductive health and use of health care services. In addition, the fear of violence makes many reluctant to undergo testing or treatment, and inhibits their ability to negotiate safer sexual practices.
A woman with HIV may be discriminated, marginalized or abandoned by their families. Many are rejected from their homes, others are even beaten and some unfortunately are killed. Stigma prevents many of them seek the most basic health care when the violence is related to HIV.
UN Women works with the system of the United Nations, the national councils of the fight against AIDS and civil society partners to break the links between violence and HIV.
The constant investment in community-driven approaches has produced data showing what is more effective in addressing the connections between violence against women and HIV. Some initiatives are funded through the UN to put an end to violence against women, managed by UN women. In Liberia, for example, where violations were a usual weapon during a war that lasted 15 years, has been carried out a project that has mobilized local leaders, traditional authorities and the professionals working in the field of law enforcement and health care in order to create reception centers and psycho-social support groups to understand and react to the cycle of HIV and violence.
UN women has financed the team in the country to implement an action plan designed in a workshop, including the formation of a national network known as MenEngage, as part of the formulation of a new national strategic framework on HIV. The team is advocating for greater cooperation with men in the prevention of HIV and gender-based violence.
However, experience tells us that the best weapon to eradicate completely the violence against women is the empowerment of communities. The United Nations has worked closely with civil society organizations to empower community leaders in different parts of the world, especially in developing countries. The results have been positive: the combination of women and empowerment is arguably the best way to achieve absolute gender equality.