Short Summary: Gender shapes the opportunities we are offered in life, the roles we might play, and the kinds of relationships we might have. This in turn strongly influences the spread of HIV. HIV/AIDS is a gender issue because men and women are vulnerable in different ways and vulnerability is influenced by the interaction of a wide range of personnel and societal factors, including knowledge of and access to support services. One of the major factors in the spread of HIV through East and Southeast Asia is the mobility of its people. Conflict also puts women at increased risk to sexual violence and HIV infection. One of the critical issues highlighted in this kit is a pregnant woman's right to choose freely whether to be tested for HIV, and the right of women who know they are infected to make independent, informed choices about childbearing and breast-feeding. HIV prevention strategies will only be effective in protecting women from the effects of HIV if they embrace a recognition and active promotion of the human rights of women. Men need to be encouraged to adopt positive behaviours and to play a much greater part in caring for their partners and families. This kit provides information and resources on the way in which gender interacts with the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The kit presents basic facts about the epidemic in Cambodia, China and Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea and other countries.
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