Recording
Gender under Pressure: Impacts of Anti-Gender Movements and Toxic Gender Stereotypes on HIV Programs Worldwide
On 8 June 2026, as part of our Fireside Chat series, we discussed the impacts of anti-gender movements and toxic gender stereotypes on HIV programs worldwide.
Together with Cate Nyambura (ATHENA Network), Amanita Calderón-Cifuentes (Trans Europe and Central Asia – TGEU), and Gracia Violeta Ross (World Council of Churches), we explored how growing political and ideological attacks on gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and the rights of women, girls, trans people, and LGBTIQ communities are affecting the global HIV response.
According to UNAIDS, around 4,000 young women and girls acquire HIV every week. Trans people, particularly trans women, face approximately 20 times higher HIV risk than the general population, while men who have sex with men (MSM) face a 25–30 times higher risk. These disparities are closely linked to gender inequality, stigma, discrimination, violence, and unequal access to healthcare.
The discussion examined how anti-gender movements, restrictive funding policies such as the expanded Mexico City Policy (“Global Gag Rule”), and toxic gender stereotypes undermine evidence-based HIV programs and community-led responses. Panelists also highlighted the importance of recognizing gender norms as structural determinants of health and strengthening human rights-based, gender-transformative approaches to ensure that no one is left behind.
Missed the live event? You can watch the recording of the discussion here:
