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The AACSS focuses on women in general because throughout the sub-Sahara women make up 60% of the HIV positive adults. They are more readily stigmatized than men and bear a disproportionate share of the burden of the pandemic – both as vulnerable to infection and as primary caregivers to those who are infected.
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“I really feel a sense of being connected to a family of Sisters across the world and that is very life-giving and supportive.” |
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The AACSS focuses its conferences primarily upon Religious women for two reasons: 1. The Sisters are greatly respected by the people to/with whom they minister. They are therefore a key group that needs to be empowered so that they can speak about HIV and AIDS and reach out to other women with strength, care, increased information and hope. 2. The quality of trust that is essential for women to address the deeply held attitudes that presently stigmatize people can be achieved more easily with the bonding that exists between Sisters based upon their shared faith and religious values. |
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Women in the sub-Sahara face broad issues that transcend national boundaries and local cultures and continue to underlie the spread of HIV and AIDS. They need to understand how these broad factors of culture, custom and religion affect the process to prevent and treat HIV and AIDS. |