Gender is a cross-cutting issue that affects all aspects of children’s lives. Throughout the life cycle, girls and boys are affected by gender inequalities that can increase their vulnerability to exploitation, abuse, violence and HIV infection.
Both girls and boys are vulnerable to gender-based violence and the consequent risk of HIV infection. Compared to adolescent boys, adolescent girls have up to 8 times higher rates of new HIV infections, affected by early (and often forced) sexual activity, multiple sex partners, and high rates of sex with older partners.
Addressing gender norms and inequities is essential to reducing HIV risk and increasing access to services girls and boys. The U.S. Government’s President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) encourages all HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs to address gender norms and inequities, focusing on five key areas:
- Increasing gender equity in HIV and AIDS programs and services, including reproductive health services
- Preventing and responding to gender-based violence
- Engaging men and boys to address norms and behaviors
- Increasing women and girls’ legal protection
- Increasing women and girls’ access to income and productive resources, including education