Among the issues the panel addressed were: evidence of high and increasing vulnerability of women to HIV/AIDS is due to gender-based economic inequalities; sexual violence, lack of access to prevention, education and training programs; and the available of quality care for women with the disease. They also talked about the numbers of women actively responding to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and how their efforts could be fostered. The panel was moderated by Judy Woodruff.
Bio
Melinda Gates
Melinda Gates is a philanthropist, and the wife of Bill Gates. She is the Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Gates (Bill and Melinda) Foundation.
Sheila C. Johnson
Co-Founder, Black Entertainment Television
Sheila C. Johnson joined Lincoln Holdings as a partner in May 2005 and serves as president, managing partner and governor of the WNBA’s Washington Mystics. A co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), Johnson is currently CEO of Salamander Hospitality, which includes Market Salamander, a chef’s market in Middleburg, Va., and Salamander Farms in The Plains, Va., and Wellington, Fla. The company is currently developing other properties, including a resort and spa. Johnson has been honored for her philanthropic efforts and currently serves on the board of the Christopher Reeve Foundation.
Musa Njoko
Musa Njoko, is a dynamic motivational speaker, singer and is HIV positive. She is one of the first women to disclose her HIV positive status in South Africa. Musa has been living positively and openly with HIV for the past 7 years. Has worked with different government departments as well as the corporate sector nationally and internationally. Musa heads Khanya AIDS Interventions, a People Management Consultancy, which specializes in AIDS interventions. Has been involved in the development of numerous training packages, AIDS policies and programs for the corporate sector, government, NGO’s, CBO’s, women’s groups and the youth. Musa is an AIDS activist and a lead fighter for the rights of people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Nasif Sadik
Special Envoy, United Nations, HIV/AIDS in Asia. Executive Director, UNFPA.
Judy Woodruff
Judy Woodruff is a PBS correspondent for Newshour with Jim Lehrer. She has reported on politics and breaking news for over three decades at three major networks, NBC, PBS and CNN. Woodruff left CNN in June 2005 to pursue longer-form journalism opportunities in addition to teaching, writing and public speaking.
During her 12 years at CNN, Woodruff anchored "Inside Politics," a show for political insiders across the country.
Prior to her joining CNN in 1993, Woodruff was the chief Washington correspondent for NBC's "Today Show," the White House correspondent for NBC News, and the chief Washington correspondent for the MacNeil/Lehrer News Hour.
Rigorous campaign had been made on the awareness of HIV/AIDS among women and girl children who are said to be the prime source. Awareness is wonderfully narrated through street theatres, music… without any awkwardness and careful presentation of words or unknowingly pinpointing anybody. Though I came across many such awareness programs on HIV/AIDS, this program will make an impact in the minds of everyone. As many experts says, that the awareness programs made so far are only a handful and has a very long way to go.