Friends of Ethiopia::: Chat to Focus on Violence Against Women, HIV/AIDS and U.S. Policy

Amnesty International USA and the Moving Ideas Network will co-host an online chat on the AIDS pandemic on December 1 (World AIDS Day) from 12 – 1 PM EST.

The AIDS pandemic has brought to light the inextricable connection between the right to health and other fundamental human rights, such as those to be free from discrimination, to receive impartial information, and to be free from violence and abuse.

Panelists Abigail Erikson and Lisa Schechtman will discuss how discrimination against women translates into lack of power both in personal relationships and in the broader society, which in turn undermines the level of control women have over their bodies and in decision-making, placing them at greater risk of violence. All of these factors increase women’s susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. Given the devastating force of HIV and AIDS, gender inequalities have become fatal.

Panelist Salih Booker will discuss the impact of U.S. AIDS policy globally, particularly in Africa where HIV prevalence is highest, and panelist Vienna Colucci will discuss how AI is developing its work on HIV/AIDS.

***

People are encouraged to submit questions to the panelists in advance; they will be answered on December 1 from 12 – 1 PM EST.
LOG on to movingideas.org for more info.

13-year-old Meron, who lost her mother to AIDS two years ago, met Brad Pitt on his recent visit to Debre Zeit, Ethiopia. (photo courtesy: savethechildren.org)