Integrating Strategies to Address Gender-Based Violence and Engage Men and Boys to Advance Gender Equality through National Strategic Plans on HIV and AIDS

Two global consultations – one in Nairobi and the other in Istanbul – were convened in 2010 and 2011 respectively, and aimed to review current National Strategic Plans on HIV
and AIDS (NSPs), to assess the strengths and weaknesses of these plans with regard to addressing gender-based violence and engaging men and boys for gender equality, and to develop country action plans for advocacy to address priority issues and gaps.

Approximately half the delegates at these meetings took part in the impact and needs assessment study, conducted by means of online surveys and in-depth interviews. It is difficult to draw generalized findings from the survey, due to the differing nature, context, stage and trajectory of countries’ HIV epidemics, and due to the differing perspectives of actors within country delegations. However, what comes across clearly, from the survey and the interviews, is that the meetings had a catalytic effect on thinking, policy and practice regarding the urgency to address gender-based violence as a cause and consequence of HIV, and the need to engage men and boys as agents of positive change to halt gender-based violence, and bring about more gender equitable communities.