Gender Strategies in Concentrated Epidemics Case Study Series
While there is emerging literature on the gender-related needs of MARPs, how programs are addressing these needs or integrating gender strategies into their activities is not well documented or disseminated. AIDSTAR-One developed nine case studies that expand on the Integrating Gender into Programs with Most-at-Risk Populations technical brief, providing an in-depth look at HIV programs working with and for MARPs in South and Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. AIDSTAR-One also developed a report that includes findings and recommendations that apply across all nine case studies. The findings report and case studies are featured below.
Integrating strategies to address gender inequity and change harmful gender norms is an increasingly important component of HIV programs, including those targeting most-at-risk populations (MARPs). This case study (one of nine in a series) documents Indonesia’s STIGMA Foundation, which uses a peer outreach model to help men and women who inject drugs live safer, healthier, more productive lives through community organizing, advocacy, and networking.
This is one of nine case studies in the Gender Strategies in Concentrated Epidemics series.
Successful outreach to most-at-risk populations (MARPs) recognizes the sociocultural context and particularly the gendered norms in which MARPs live. This case study (one of nine in a series) documents how outreach workers in Lebanon raise awareness about how gender norms can increase HIV risk; deliver basic information on HIV, hepatitis, and other STIs; offer counseling to support positive behavior change, and distribute free condoms, syringes, and lubricants.
This is one of nine case studies in the Gender Strategies in Concentrated Epidemics series.
Programs focused on promoting gender equity and combating detrimental gender norms play a key role in HIV prevention. This case study (one of nine in a series) documents how the PRASIT program in Cambodia targets entertainment workers, their mainly middle class and male clients, and males who have sex with males using strategic behavior communication. Although the programs vary in their approaches, strategies employed by PRASIT have focused on community outreach, mass media campaigns, and peer education.
This is one of nine case studies in the Gender Strategies in Concentrated Epidemics series.
Integrating strategies to address gender inequity and change harmful gender norms is an increasingly important component of HIV programs. However, gender integration among programs targeting most-at-risk populations (MARPs) is much less prevalent. This case study (one of nine in a series) reviews how SANGRAM, a women-led network of collective empowerment groups in India, is developing and administering projects that promote and protect the rights—and health—of MARPs.
This is one of nine case studies in the Gender Strategies in Concentrated Epidemics series.
In Peru, where cultural norms emphasize women's subordination and the importance of masculinity, programs with a focus on gender—particularly those involving sex workers are often underfunded and underrepresented. This case study (one of nine in a series) describes how three organizations focused on sex workers and transgendered and transsexual people have joined together to advance the rights of sex workers. The Sex Work, HIV, and Human Rights Program uses a democratic and participatory approach in order to raise awareness of human rights and advocate for sex workers' rights on both national and local levels.
This is one of nine case studies in the Gender Strategies in Concentrated Epidemics series.
Together, a support network plus access to legal and psychological support are essential components of HIV programming for most-at-risk populations. In Colombia, obtaining this support is difficult for many members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community due to pervasive stigma and discrimination. Bogotá's LGBT Community Center was founded in order to help fill this need and serves a clientele comprised mainly of men who have sex with men. This case study (one of nine in a series) examines the center's efforts to provide a social and educational base for its clients while also advocating for their rights.
This is one of nine case studies in the Gender Strategies in Concentrated Epidemics series.
Gender norms affect the behavior and life choices of both men and women. In Vietnam, these norms sometimes drive people into situations where they are at increased risk of violence, STI acquisition, and/or incarceration. This case study (one of nine in a series) examines CARE International's STEP program, which seeks to ensure that both men and women have equal access to services to prevent STIs, safeguard their health, avoid gender-based violence, and participate in income-generating activities.
This is one of nine case studies in the Gender Strategies in Concentrated Epidemics series.
Although transgender individuals are a highly vulnerable segment of El Salvador's population, the national political climate has only recently begun to support HIV programming that is tailored to their needs. Additionally, limited access to medical services and legal protection and considerable societal stigma and discrimination means that organizations working with transgender individuals must meet a variety of complex and varied needs. This case study, one of 9 in a series, describes the challenges and successes of the Solidarity Association to Promote Human Development (ASPIDH), an NGO that promotes transgender rights via sensitization, education, and advocacy activities.
This is one of nine case studies in the Gender Strategies in Concentrated Epidemics series.
Gender inequality is a major contributor to men who have sex with men's (MSM) vulnerability to HIV. Understanding the gender dynamics of MSM, as well as their specific sexual identity issues and concerns, is important for delivering effective HIV services. This case study (one of nine in a series) describes how an NGO in Russia created an MSM-supportive environment and provided free access to HIV services through its "Follow the Voice of Life" program.
This is one of nine case studies in the Gender Strategies in Concentrated Epidemics series.