NJWAN Goes to the 2012 International AIDS Conference

The New Jersey Women and AIDS Network attended the 19th International AIDS Conference which was held in Washington, DC last week.  After participating in workshops, marches, performances, and networking events, we are eager to share a few of our experiences.

The Global Village

We spent our time in the Global Village section of the conference: the only portion of the conference that was open and free to the public. Here, activists, professionals, youth, and ordinary people from around the world gathered to share knowledge, ideas, and experiences through workshops, performances, art, and networking. Performances included the Female Condom Show, De Colores Trans Fashion Show, and “Safe, Stupid, or What?” and not only entertained the diverse audience, but engaged individuals in unique methods of HIV prevention, discussion, and activism.

The Rise of the Female Condom

One of the issues of interest during the Global Village was raising awareness about the female condom. During the session “From 'No Way' to 'Yay': Community Engagement in Female Condom Programming,” we listened to panelists talk about interventions around the globe that have successfully encouraged men and women to talk about and try out the female condom as a tool for HIV prevention. We learned about new developments in female condom technology such as the:

·      Cupid Condom by Cupid Ltd - which has recently been approved and is starting to enter the market globally as an effective tool to prevent against pregnancy and STIs, such as HIV.

·        Women’s Condom - which is currently undergoing approval.

After learning about these exciting developments, we are eager to stay up to date and share the research and current events with you.

The Workshops

During an interactive workshop on disclosing HIV status in relationships, NJWAN participated in various activities to start the conversation on how to disclose HIV status to an intimate partner and when it is okay to disclose. Different scenarios of situations were offered and we were to decide whether or not we would disclose. It was a great activity and conversation starter – an activity we would like to include in our programs for HIV positive women.

The March on Washington

Beyond workshops, presentations, networking, and performances, the true show of the sheer power and commitment of HIV/AIDS activists emerged on July 24^th where passionate and energetic individuals from the Global Village – and even motivated conference attendees encouraged by the mobilization – marched “out of the halls and into the streets” to march and to rally in support of the message that: “We Can End AIDS!”

As a whole, the 2012 International AIDS Conference was a very great learning experience. We are thankful for the opportunity to engage with individuals affected by HIV, explore new developments in the field, and gain global perspectives and strategies. Join us as we utilize everything learned to revamp NJWAN’s efforts in reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS among women! 

To view photos from NJWAN's time at the 2012 International AIDS conference, click here!