Input needed to create a safe space for dialogue between religious leaders and people living with HIV around the world.

As follow up from the first global High Level Summit of Religious Leaders on HIV, a survey has been released to provide opportunities for discussion and action between religion leaders and people living with HIV. The results of the survey will be used to identify priorities for action, to analyse lessons learned, and to develop a framework for collaboration.   

The first High Level Religious Leaders' Summit on HIV occurred in the Netherlands in March 2010, World YWCA was able to participate along with spiritual and religious leaders from various religions around the world. As a movement the World YWCA is committed to ensuring that women, young women and girls are empowered and have the freedom to express their Sexual Reproductive and Health Rights (SRHR) and lead a life free from violence and HIV infection. 

The World YWCA General Secretary at the time, Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, was in attendance at the Summit and stated, “As the pandemic becomes more feminised, it is important for religious leaders to build on the capacity and leadership of women and girls at the frontline of the HIV response. As a faith based organisation, we have an important role in providing health worldwide and this is critical for so many women and young women who urgently need support. The World YWCA calls on religious leaders to invest in women and girls, ensure the safety and security of women and girls and end stigma and discrimination that continues to drive the HIV pandemic.”

The survey was developed by the Strengthening Religious Leadership Multi-Faith Working Group convened by the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA), in collaboration with the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+), the International Network of Religious Leaders Living with and affected by HIV (INERELA+) and UNAIDS.