Women & Girls - RED https://www.red.org/impact-area/women-girls/ Thu, 06 Feb 2025 15:18:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 How Is Female Genital Mulatilation Linked to HIV? https://www.red.org/reditorial/aids-information/how-is-female-genital-mulatilation-linked-to-hiv/ Thu, 06 Feb 2025 15:14:39 +0000 https://www.red.org/?p=7539 Every year, millions of women and girls undergo some form of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), leaving them with lasting physical, emotional, and psychological scars. FGM involves the cutting or altering of female genitalia for non-medical reasons, offering no health benefits. It’s still practiced in over 30 countries, with over 144... Read more »

The post How Is Female Genital Mulatilation Linked to HIV? appeared first on RED.

]]> Every year, millions of women and girls undergo some form of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), leaving them with lasting physical, emotional, and psychological scars. FGM involves the cutting or altering of female genitalia for non-medical reasons, offering no health benefits. It’s still practiced in over 30 countries, with over 144 million accounts in Africa to date. Over 230 million women and girls alive today have been subjected to FGM, and an estimated 4.4 million girls are at risk this year alone.

February 6th is International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation and this year, we’ve partnered with the Ifrah Foundation to raise awareness about the intersection between HIV and FGM. While (RED) generates funds and urgency for the fight against HIV/AIDS, which disproportionately affects women and girls, the Ifrah Foundation focuses on eradicating FGM in Somalia through advocacy, awareness, and community empowerment. Together, we’re committed to improving women’s and girls’ health and eliminating harmful and unnecessary practices. 

Photo Credit: The Global Fund
Four Ways FGM and HIV are Linked:  

1. Unsafe Procedures: FGM is often performed in unsafe conditions, where unsterilized surgical instruments are shared among girls. This increases the risk of HIV transmission through possible blood exposure between those undergoing FGM procedure

Source: WHO

2. Long-Term Health Complications: FGM can lead to lifelong health issues such as severe bleeding, tearing during childbirth or intercourse, and complications from blood transfusions – all of which increase susceptibility to HIV. 

Source: UNFPA, WHO

3. Gender Inequality: FGM is rooted in patriarchal norms, often accompanied by child marriage and a lack of access to sexual health education, which collectively increase women’s risk of contracting HIV. Survivors of FGM may avoid seeking medical care due to stigma, further exacerbating the risk of untreated infections, including HIV. 

Source: UNFPA, Columbia Journal

4. Prevalence in Communities with Limited Resources: Both FGM and HIV are more prevalent in low-income communities with limited healthcare, education, and preventive resources. In many of these communities, FGM is often used to control female sexuality, and protective measures against HIV are discouraged. 

Source: UNFPA, National Institute of Medicine Study

Addressing FGM and HIV requires a multifaceted approach, as both are deeply embedded in cultural and social constructs. These are not just healthcare challenges, but fundamental human rights issues that require education and advocacy to drive prevention. (RED) and the Ifrah Foundation remain committed to raising awareness for HIV and FGM and empowering women and girls worldwide.

The post How Is Female Genital Mulatilation Linked to HIV? appeared first on RED.

]]> Cervical Cancer: Preventable, Treatable, Beatable https://www.red.org/reditorial/partnership/cervical-cancer-awareness-month-hiv-roche/ Mon, 27 Jan 2025 15:13:26 +0000 https://www.red.org/?p=7476 This is a guest (RED)ITORIAL written by Pelly Malebe, PhD, Product Manager: Specialized Molecular, Roche Diagnostics in honor of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. As a (RED) Champion, Pelly helps spread the word about (RED) and Roche’s shared mission to raise awareness around the importance of testing and diagnostics, strengthening healthcare systems, and making preventable... Read more »

The post Cervical Cancer: Preventable, Treatable, Beatable appeared first on RED.

]]> This is a guest (RED)ITORIAL written by Pelly Malebe, PhD, Product Manager: Specialized Molecular, Roche Diagnostics in honor of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. As a (RED) Champion, Pelly helps spread the word about (RED) and Roche’s shared mission to raise awareness around the importance of testing and diagnostics, strengthening healthcare systems, and making preventable and treatable disease preventable and treatable for everyone.

Pelly Malebe, PhD, Product Manager: Specialized Molecular, Roche Diagnostics
Pelly Malebe, PhD, Product Manager: Specialized Molecular, Roche Diagnostics

Her Life, Her Worth: The Fight Against Preventable Cervical Cancer

When I think of cervical cancer awareness campaigns, I’m inspired to follow the narrative of “saving the lives of our grandmothers, mothers, daughters, wives, aunts, sisters and friends.” But, I’m reminded of a challenge posed by a friend who once asked, “Why does a woman have to belong to someone in order to be of any value? Why can’t she just be worthy because she just is, without linking her to someone?” I found that question to be powerful. So, this (RED)ITORIAL is about saving the woman from preventable diseases, because she is worthy, by simply being… her.

When we talk about the importance of saving women from cervical cancer, it’s crucial to understand the underlying factors. Cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is both preventable and treatable, yet it remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Also preventable and treatable is HIV, though nearly 4,000 girls and young women contract the virus every week. No woman should die from a disease that can be prevented, detected early and managed effectively. Unfortunately, with both cervical cancer and HIV/AIDS, the lack of awareness and health equity continue to result in preventable deaths.

Bridging the Gap: Addressing the Dual Threat of HIV and Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer disproportionately affects women in resource-limited settings, and the risk is even higher for women living with HIV. Women living with HIV are six times more likely to have an HPV infection progress to cervical cancer. This reality highlights the urgent need for integrated healthcare approaches that address both HIV and HPV infection.

By focusing on holistic healthcare models that incorporate integrated, regular testing for HIV and HPV, we can ensure that women receive comprehensive care with a large focus on screening, treatment, and support.

The Power of Prevention and Early Detection

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, thanks to advancements in HPV vaccines, routine screenings and early treatment. In my role in the diagnostics field, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing how early screening through HPV DNA testing is crucial in ensuring women receive timely interventions. However, I’ve also seen the devastating impact of limited awareness and access, with many women presenting to clinics or hospitals only when their symptoms have become severe. Unfortunately, this late-stage diagnosis is far too common in my home continent, Africa.

Governments, healthcare organizations, and communities are coming together in an effort to bridge this gap. It is crucial that the global effort to eliminate cervical cancer reaches every corner of the world, so that no woman is left behind. The burden of cervical cancer is heaviest in regions where healthcare resources are scarce. Women in low- and middle-income countries often face significant barriers to accessing preventive care, from financial constraints to lack of healthcare infrastructure.

Tackling these inequities requires national commitments, continental efforts, global partnerships, increased funding, and innovative solutions that bring healthcare to the most underserved populations. By prioritizing both cervical cancer and HIV prevention, screening and treatment on a global scale, we can save lives and empower women to thrive.

The Urgency of Now

As we observe Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, I am reminded of the safety instruction on an airplane: “In case of emergency, secure your own oxygen mask before helping others.” So, to the woman reading this (RED)ITORIAL, I ask, “Have you been screened or vaccinated for HPV?” If your answer is yes, I encourage you to spread the message to others. To the man reading this, I ask, “Are you encouraging the women in your life to get screened?” Your support plays a vital role in empowering the women around you to prioritize their health—whether it’s getting vaccinated, encouraging others to schedule routine screenings, or supporting advocacy groups and local organizations dedicated to preventing cervical cancer.

For me, the fight against cancer became deeply personal on January 29, 2024, when I lost the greatest love of my life, my beloved Father, to prostate cancer. When I think of cancer, I often find myself in the second stage of grief: anger. But I’ve chosen to channel that anger into action, honoring his memory and the countless lives affected by this disease.

I invite you to join us on this journey, together, we can create a future where cervical cancer and HIV are no longer a threat to women’s lives.

Let us stand united in this fight for her… because she is simply worthy.

The post Cervical Cancer: Preventable, Treatable, Beatable appeared first on RED.

]]> Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: 3 Essential Lessons I’ve Learned as a Woman Working in Global Health https://www.red.org/reditorial/partnership/standing-on-the-shoulders-of-giants-3-essential-lessons-ive-learned-as-a-woman-working-in-global-health/ Fri, 11 Oct 2024 19:42:47 +0000 https://www.red.org/?p=6681 This is a guest (RED)ITORIAL written by Pelly Malebe, PhD, Product Manager: Specialized Molecular, Roche Diagnostics. As a (RED) Champion, Pelly helps spread the word about (RED) and Roche’s shared mission to raise awareness around the importance of testing and diagnostics, strengthening healthcare systems, and empowering women and girls to... Read more »

The post Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: 3 Essential Lessons I’ve Learned as a Woman Working in Global Health appeared first on RED.

]]> A portrait of Pelly Malebe on a red background. She is smiling, and wearing a red Roche shirt.

This is a guest (RED)ITORIAL written by Pelly Malebe, PhD, Product Manager: Specialized Molecular, Roche Diagnostics. As a (RED) Champion, Pelly helps spread the word about (RED) and Roche’s shared mission to raise awareness around the importance of testing and diagnostics, strengthening healthcare systems, and empowering women and girls to pursue careers in STEM.

In my journey in the public health sector, I’ve learned invaluable lessons, shaped not only by my work but also by the powerful legacy of those who came before me. As a woman in science, and particularly as a Black woman, my experiences are unique yet representative of many who have walked similar paths. These are the three key lessons I hold close:

1. Harnessing Strength and Paving the Way

My genetic make-up consists of two X chromosomes and melanin, a combination that represents both strength and complexity. When people see me, they do not simply see a woman; they see a Black woman. This identity comes with its own challenges and prejudices, but I wear it as a badge of honor. Throughout my studies and career, I’ve had to consistently bring my A-game, just to be acknowledged as competent. But through this perseverance, I’ve carved my place in the field of Biotechnology, Genetics and Healthcare, three disciplines I am deeply passionate about. My advice to people that identify as women: stand tall in your identity. It is not a burden but a crown. Rock it!

2. A Seat at the Table, the Power of the Female Perspective

Public health, like many fields, must be inclusive at every level. As a (RED) x Roche Africa Champion, I have been privileged to advocate for access to diagnostics, treatment, and monitoring with the goal of achieving an AIDS-free generation. I’ve learned that any effort to eradicate pandemics or treatable diseases must start with diagnostics. In my current role, I remain passionate about strengthening diagnostic systems, particularly in Women’s Health and Infectious Diseases in Africa. The female voice is essential to this mission. We bring perspectives that shape policy and decision-making in ways that benefit not only women but entire communities.

3. From Classroom to Community, Women Redefining STEM

Women are the foundation of our communities, and our contributions to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are indispensable. Our paths should not be dictated by societal norms, but rather, we should be at the forefront, building roadmaps for future generations. Dr. James Emmanuel Kwegyir-Aggrey, a renowned Ghanaian intellectual, famously said, “If you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” I deeply believe in the power of education to break generational, geographical and cultural barriers. I encourage young women to see STEM as a powerful tool for change, one that they can use to reshape their communities and the world. There should be no limit to your ambitions.

The post Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: 3 Essential Lessons I’ve Learned as a Woman Working in Global Health appeared first on RED.

]]> (RED) Talks—Combating HIV: Girls & Young Women https://www.red.org/reditorial/red-talks/red-talks-combating-hiv-girls-young-women/ Tue, 10 Oct 2023 21:17:14 +0000 https://red.org/?p=1126 In this episode of (RED) Talks, (RED) President and COO, Jennifer Lotito is accompanied by Cathy Ferrier, Head of Positive Action, @ViiV Healthcare, Rukia Männikkö, Community, Rights and Gender Regional Advisor & Focal Point for Africa and Middle East, @The Global Fund, Yacine Djibo, Executive Director, Speak Up Africa, and Millicent Sethaile, HER Voice Ambassador, Botswana, to explore the work that is being done to end HIV and AIDS in adolescent girls and young women.

The post (RED) Talks—Combating HIV: Girls & Young Women appeared first on RED.

]]> We’re back with another episode of (RED) Talks, our digital series of frank conversations exploring the current state of the fight against HIV/AIDS, its impact on marginalized communities, and present opportunities to shine a spotlight on the need for investment.

Every day, over 550 young women contract HIV. To end this injustice, we must increase programs that h​​elp empower young women and girls to be in control of their health and well-being.

Ahead of International Day of the Girl, Cathy Ferrier, Head of Positive Action, ViiV Healthcare, Rukia Männikkö, Community, Rights and Gender Regional Advisor & Focal Point for Africa and Middle East, The Global Fund, Yacine Djibo, Executive Director, Speak Up Africa, and Millicent Sethaile, HER Voice Ambassador, Botswana, join Jennifer Lotito, (RED) President and COO, for an episode of (RED) Talks exploring the work that’s being done to end HIV and AIDS in adolescent girls and young women.

This episode of (RED) Talks is generously sponsored by ViiV Healthcare.

  • Key questions addressed in this episode:
  • – Where are we in the AIDS crisis today and how and why are women and girls hit the hardest by this crisis? 
  • -What are some of the efforts being done by ViiV Healthcare regarding HIV and AIDS, especially in priority populations such as adolescent girls and young women? 
  • -What is some of the work being done by Yacine Djibo from Speak Up Africa regarding women and girls in West and Central Africa? 
  • -From Yacine Djibo’s vantage point, what types of policies and initiatives should be invested in to empower women and girls to ensure they have a voice in decisions that affect their health and well-being? 
  • -What motivated Millicent Sethaile to become a HER Voice ambassador? How did the role in the HER Voice fund impact Millicent’s life and the lives of adolescent girls and women? 
  • -From Millicent’s perspective, what should be done to empower adolescent girls and young women to ensure they have a voice in decisions that affect their health and well-being? 
  • -Beyond the HER Voice program, what are some of the other ways the Global Fund is improving global health for women and girls? When companies partner with (RED) to support the Global fund, what types of programs are those grants supporting? 
  • –Recently, the Global Fund, ViiV, and GSK partnered on a new initiative and fund focused on women and girls. What makes this particular partnership special and unique? 
  • -What is one trend or innovation that is being seen in global health that showcases hope for women and girls?

The post (RED) Talks—Combating HIV: Girls & Young Women appeared first on RED.

]]> (RED) Talks—Ending HIV Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women https://www.red.org/reditorial/red-talks/reditorial-red-talks-ending-hiv-among-adolescent-girls-and-young-women-s1-ep-3/ Wed, 27 Jul 2022 21:05:00 +0000 https://red.org/?p=1097 In the third episode of (RED) Talks, (RED) President and COO Jennifer Lotito discusses ending HIV among adolescent girls and young women with Janet Saul, Director of Gender Programming, Office of the US Global AIDS Coordinator, Cathy Ferrier, Head of Positive Action at ViiV Healthcare, Sibulele Sibaca, Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur and Founder of Impact Drivers and Siobhan Crowley, Head of HIV, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The post (RED) Talks—Ending HIV Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women appeared first on RED.

]]> We’re back with another episode of (RED) Talks, our digital series of frank conversations exploring the current state of the fight against HIV/AIDS, its impact on marginalized communities, and present opportunities to shine a spotlight on the need for investment.

In the third episode of (RED) Talks, (RED) President and COO Jennifer Lotito chats with Janet Saul, Director of Gender Programming, Office of the US Global AIDS Coordinator, Cathy Ferrier, Head of Positive Action at ViiV Healthcare, Sibulele Sibaca, Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur and Founder of Impact Drivers SA, & Siobhan Crowley, Head of HIV, The Global Fund

This series is generously supported by ViiV Healthcare

  • Key questions addressed in this episode:
  • -According to Janet Saul, where are we in the AIDS crisis today and how and why is the impact on women and girls so severe? 
  • -What are the Positive Action community grants that ViiV Healthcare Supports? 
  • -Beyond the Her Voice Program, what are some of the other ways that The Global Fund is helping strengthen global health for women and girls? 
  • -Why is the empowerment of young girls so important to Sibulele Sibaca? 
  • -What is the work that Sibulele Sibaca is doing through impact drivers and is there anything that the viewers can do to support it? 
  • -What is Dreams Program and how has it countering the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic? 
  • -What is the role that Cathy Ferrier believes the private sector should play in improving the lives of women and girls and building stronger health systems? 
  • -What makes the seventh replenishment by The Global Fund so important? 
  • -What is one trend or innovation in global health that gives hope that women and girls will have a better future?

The post (RED) Talks—Ending HIV Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women appeared first on RED.

]]> How Women Are Leading the Charge Against Health Emergencies https://www.red.org/reditorial/women-girls/women-leading-fight-against-pandemics/ Wed, 09 Mar 2022 18:56:44 +0000 https://red.org/?p=1891 Worldwide, women have been hit harder than men by the indirect social and economic effects of the COVID pandemic, threatening decades of progress toward gender equality.  But despite all that’s working against them, women continue to be leaders on the front lines fighting health emergencies like  COVID-19 and AIDS. In... Read more »

The post How Women Are Leading the Charge Against Health Emergencies appeared first on RED.

]]> Worldwide, women have been hit harder than men by the indirect social and economic effects of the COVID pandemic, threatening decades of progress toward gender equality. 

But despite all that’s working against them, women continue to be leaders on the front lines fighting health emergencies like  COVID-19 and AIDS. In fact, 70% of health workers are women, making them the most likely first responders to health crises. Women community leaders also play a critical role in creating supportive spaces for young women and girls to learn about their health, build confidence, and set ambitious goals.

Community leaders like Carolyne, a peer educator in Kenya, help to empower young women and girls to be in control of their health and well-being. Carolyne is one of 400 peer educators working for a Global Fund-supported program that focuses on HIV prevention, care, and treatment for adolescent girls and young women. After receiving a positive HIV diagnosis at 17, Carolyne lived in denial for years—until she became pregnant. At that time, she explains, “I wasn’t taking the medicine. I decided, okay, let me just do it for this baby. That was my turnaround point, and I started adhering to my medication.”

Today, as a peer educator, Carolyne shares her story with young women in her community to help them overcome stigma and remain healthy. By 2024, Carolyne and hundreds of other peer educators in five counties in Kenya are expected to have reached more than 20,000 adolescent girls and young women.

Addressing gender inequalities is key to preventing HIV infections and deaths. The Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment conference, which is coming up later this year, aims to raise money to close the gap in gender inequality by funding programs like Carolyne’s, and others that focus on women’s health and rights. If the replenishment target of $18 billion is met, the Global Fund anticipates a 72% reduction of HIV incidence among adolescent girls and young women in the most affected countries.

Pandemics thrive where inequalities persist and without a deliberate focus to protect and support the health of women and girls, they will always be disproportionately affected by health emergencies. The good news is that women are also catalysts for action. Supporting (RED) means supporting community leaders like Carolyne and helping to empower women and girls in the fight against pandemics.

The post How Women Are Leading the Charge Against Health Emergencies appeared first on RED.

]]> IHATA Shelter Continues to Support Young Women in the Face of COVID-19 https://www.red.org/reditorial/impact/ihata-shelter-supports-women-during-covid-19/ Tue, 22 Sep 2020 16:27:55 +0000 https://www.red.org/?p=5283 Poverty and gender inequality, insufficient access to education and sexual and reproductive health services, and gender-based violence are just a few of the issues that continue to put young women and girls at an increased risk of contracting HIV. The current COVID-19 pandemic has only magnified these issues. As lockdowns... Read more »

The post IHATA Shelter Continues to Support Young Women in the Face of COVID-19 appeared first on RED.

]]> Poverty and gender inequality, insufficient access to education and sexual and reproductive health services, and gender-based violence are just a few of the issues that continue to put young women and girls at an increased risk of contracting HIV.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has only magnified these issues. As lockdowns are put in place worldwide to slow the spread of the virus, women and girls are often trapped at home with abusive partners or family members, putting them at an increased risk of gender-based violence.

That’s where IHATA Shelter comes in…IHATA Shelter is a (RED)-supported program in Cape Town, South Africa that acts as a refuge to most-at-risk women and girls, providing them with accommodations and opportunities to become self-sufficient and independent.

Ndzuzo Mlandu is a counselor with Partners in Health (PIH), a global health organization that helps implement sexual health education programs at IHATA. As part of their programming, IHATA and PIH offer condom demonstrations, HIV testing, and other prevention products and services to help protect and empower young women in the fight against AIDS.

“If we take these programs away, if we take such activities away from young girls, we will discourage them from being better people and being contributors to our economy and our country,” he says. 

Farieda is a 17-year-old student and mother. After becoming pregnant at 16, she left her grandfather’s home and came to IHATA. She feels encouraged by the programs and services that the shelter provides and eager to use what she’s learned from IHATA to finish her schooling. “I really want to make the best of my life,” she says. “I’m a smart person, and I know I can do it. I’m going to finish my school, so I can give myself and my child a better future.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, IHATA has continued to support young women in the local community. IHATA’s sexual reproductive health workshops serve as a critical opportunity to provide HIV testing, care, and PrEP services, ultimately helping to reduce the risk of HIV infections and instill confidence among young women and girls. When you join (RED), you help ensure young women like Farieda have access to live-saving programs like those provided by IHATA.

IHATA Shelter acts as a refuge to most-at-risk women and girls, providing them with accommodations and opportunities to become independent and empowering them in the fight to end AIDS. 

The post IHATA Shelter Continues to Support Young Women in the Face of COVID-19 appeared first on RED.

]]> Amandla Development https://www.red.org/reditorial/impact/amandla-development-supports-young-women/ Tue, 01 Sep 2020 14:59:59 +0000 https://www.red.org/?p=4980 Young women and girls are disproportionately affected by HIV. Now, under the threat of COVID-19, these critical HIV health services can be harder to access, allowing one pandemic to thrive as another takes a new hold on an already vulnerable population.    Recognizing this threat, (RED)-funded programs like Amandla Development in... Read more »

The post Amandla Development appeared first on RED.

]]> Young women and girls are disproportionately affected by HIV. Now, under the threat of COVID-19, these critical HIV health services can be harder to access, allowing one pandemic to thrive as another takes a new hold on an already vulnerable population.   

Recognizing this threat, (RED)-funded programs like Amandla Development in Cape Town, South Africa have implemented social distancing and other COVID-19 preventative measures so that lifesaving HIV education, sexual reproductive health services, and mental health counseling remain open and accessible to young women in need.   

16-year-old Asive Molose is a student and participates in a variety of Amandla’s empowerment  programs, including self-defense workshops, which teach young women to protect themselves from gender-based violence. In addition to equipping Asive with the confidence and tools to stand up for herself, Amandla has also provided her with a safe space to talk about the difficult circumstances facing many young women in South Africa. 

What’s Asive’s message to other young women in her community? “Be you! Do you for you! And if ever you feel uncomfortable or if ever you feel that you need someone to talk to, you can always call Amandla.”

During the current COVID-19 outbreak in South Africa, Amandla Development continues to connect young people and their families with support and care services, to provide accurate health information, and to promote learning while students are out of classrooms. By providing critical health services at this time, Amandla is helping to ensure that young women and girls can thrive and avoid the threat of both HIV and COVID-19. 

The post Amandla Development appeared first on RED.

]]>