Event Listing

Expanding Access to Female and Male Condoms through Advocacy and Programming at CSW

New York, New York / March 9, 2010

With increasing attention on future prevention options, such as microbicides and vaccines, we cannot overlook condoms, or the importance of promoting male and female condoms equally. Condoms remain the only effective technology we have today that prevents HIV, STIs, and unintended pregnancy.  Despite this, many women, men, and young people still lack access to these tools, and female condoms receive little attention.  Civil society network-building and policy advocacy is instrumental in securing donor and government support for female and male procurement, distribution, and comprehensive programming – essential ingredients to expand access. 

On March 9, 2010 the Center for Health and Gender Equity held a speakers panel parallel event at the 54th Commission on the Status of Women in New York, entitled “Expanding Access to Female and Male Condoms through Advocacy and Programming.” Panelists provided examples of successful civil society advocacy for female and male condoms and strategized about the future of advocacy for prevention technologies.

Speakers

Kimberly Whipkey, Senior Associate for Advocacy and Outreach, Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE) and the Prevention Now! Campaign (Moderator)

Sarah Davies, Vice Chair, United Nations Committee of Youth Organizations (CoNGO) and Communications Assistant, World YWCA

Martha Brady, Senior Associate, Population Council

Edinah Masiyiwa, Executive Director, Women's Action Group Zimbabwe

Manju Chatani-Gada, Senior Program Manager, AVAC - Global Advocacy for HIV Prevention and Co-Founder, African Microbicides Advocacy Group (AMAG)

The event was co-sponsored by: World YWCA, AVAC – Global Advocacy for HIV Prevention, Global Campaign for Microbicides, Support, The Condom Project, Durex Network, Universal Access to Female Condoms Joint Programme, and Population Council.

Presentations:

Link to Sarah Davies Comments

Link to Martha Brady Powerpoint

Link to Edinah Masiyiwa Powerpoint

Link to Manju Chatani-Gada Powerpoint