"It's very important to relate the struggle of women with HIV to the 21 days of activism because it's in this violence against women that many of them become infected with the HIV virus. It's domestic violence, the sexual violence that a husband commits and can infect his partner. The rapes that happen on the streets, where so many women are raped. In addition, once infected, they suffer new problems: they become angry, they don't accept themselves, they often reject treatment, and all of this worsens their condition. They suffer greater discrimination for being women and carriers of the virus."

 

"December 1st is essential for alerting women and men to these issues and spreading the word, for example, about the female condom, which is an alternative when the partner doesn't want to use the male condom," explains Regina Cohen.

 

Since its creation in 2000, the National Movement of Positive Citizens has played an important role in the fight against prejudice and for better health for people living with HIV/AIDS. Centers throughout the country carry out prevention and health promotion activities (guidance, provision of condoms, lectures, health training, etc.) and social participation and control (advocacy, political advocacy, etc.).

 

"We know how important it is to continue with this work because we see how the group strengthens diverse women from all over Brazil. Every time we see a woman becoming stronger, coming out about her HIV status, wanting to study, get married, have children, it's a huge gain for us," says the activist.