Why ATHENA?

As the world enters the third decade of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, women — especially the young and the poor — are increasingly affected. Because gender inequity fuels HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS fuels gender inequity, it is imperative that women and girls speak out, set priorities for action, and lead the global response to the crisis. The ATHENA Network was created to realize this imperative.

As ATHENA members work actively towards the realization of the Barcelona Bill of Rights, we seek to advance the recognition, protection, and fulfillment of women’s and girls’ human rights, comprehensively and inclusively, as a fundamental component of policies and programs to address HIV/AIDS. This includes working on sensitive and contentious issues that some leading national and international agencies are unable or reluctant to address. Current examples include (but are not limited to): comprehensive sexuality education for women and girls, supportive work with marginalized groups such as sex workers and substance users, resistance to anti-prostitution pledges, harm-reduction strategies, and reproductive choices for women affected by and living with HIV/AIDS.

ATHENA strives to bridge the communities around the world that are addressing gender, human rights, sexual and reproductive health, and HIV/AIDS. Further, ATHENA promotes the leadership and participation of women and girls, especially those living with HIV/AIDS, as central to the global response. Through these efforts, we are guided by four central mandates for our collective work – the indivisibility and intersectionality of issues and experiences; the need for independence and integrity; the inclusion of grassroots and indigenous groups; and the importance of intergenerational exchange, new voices, and the involvement of youth.

Do you want to join or support ATHENA? Take a look at what members and supporters agree to do.