International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Without a higher social status, women will continue to face difficulties protecting their own health and that of their families, it has been claimed.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lack of access to education, decision-making positions and income all limit female empowerment.

The WHO said that although major differences exist in women's health across regions, countries and socio-economic class, women and girls face similar challenges, in particular discrimination, violence and poverty, around the world.

"In the case of HIV/Aids the risk posed by a biological difference is compounded in cultures that limit women's knowledge about HIV and their ability to negotiate safer sex," it stated.

According to Julie Cassard, information and campaigns officer for Avert, greater education is needed to raise awareness of HIV issues if taboos surrounding the subject are to be broken.

She acknowledged that HIV as a topic is "rarely discussed" within many communities and areas of society.

Posted by Paul Robertson