Peace and Development Organisation (PADO) in collaboration with UNIFEM broadcast a radio programme on FM 104 on gender inequalities and HIV/AIDS on World AIDS Day on Tuesday. This radio programme was part of other such events of 16 days of activism against gender violence campaign.
Speaking in the programme Dr Wazeer Akbar, Research Co-ordinator, Provisional AIDS Control Programme said that HIV/AIDS programmes for promotion and investment in gender equality contribute to both Millennium Development Goal 6 on combating HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria and to MDG 3 on promoting gender equality and women's empowerment.
He further stated that gender inequalities are key driver of the epidemic in several ways, women who fear or experience violence lack the power to ask their partners for safe methods, fear of violence can prevent women from learning and/or sharing their HIV status and accessing treatment, also Gender-related barriers in access to services prevent women and men from accessing HIV prevention, treatment and care.
Zia-ul-Haq urged to come forward in ending violence against women and to demand accountability of promises made for elimination of VAW. He said that such violence could reduce the stigma related to HIV/AIDS. He demanded of the government for provision of comprehensive medico-legal services to victims of sexual violence and HIV/AIDS and enforcement of laws that eliminate violence against women.