March 10, 2025 – Today, CHIPTS joins partners across the country in observing National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a day when we reaffirm our commitment to addressing the barriers to HIV/AIDS treatment for women and girls. In honor of #NWGHAAD, CHIPTS CAB Co-Chair Natalie Sanchez shares a reflection of todays’ awareness day and highlights the Confessions: HIV Positive Women podcast. Learn more below.
UCLA Los Angeles Family AIDS Network is once again partnering with Christie’s Place in San Diego for a new season of Confessions: HIV Positive Women, launching on March 10 in recognition of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD). This day serves as a crucial reminder of the impact of HIV on women and girls, while emphasizing the importance of education, prevention, and access to care.
In the U.S., nearly 23% of people living with HIV are women, with Black and Latina women disproportionately affected due to systemic barriers in healthcare, stigma, and lack of access to early testing and treatment. Young women, in particular, face challenges in receiving timely diagnoses and navigating the complexities of living with HIV. NWGHAAD sheds light on these disparities and encourages conversations that empower women and girls to prioritize their health and well-being.
This season of Confessions: HIV Positive Women will explore the deeply personal journeys of women at different life stages, each navigating the realities of living with HIV. Listeners will meet a young woman who was recently diagnosed at just 21 years old, a lifelong survivor who has lived with HIV since birth, and women who are now facing the unique challenges of aging with the condition. Their stories are a powerful testament to resilience, strength, and the evolving experiences of women living with HIV.
Marilynn Ramos, a participant from Season 1 and now a Peer Educator, reflects on her experience:
“Participating in the Confessions Mujeres VIH+ podcast has been a life-changing experience. I went from being a caterpillar, unsure of where to go or how to move forward, to transforming into a butterfly, free to embrace my story and share it with others. Telling my truth has been an act of liberation, and through it, I have found my voice. This podcast has not only healed me, but it has also given me the chance to offer other women a glimpse of hope they might need to keep going. It has changed my life, and I am honored to be part of something that can help change the lives of others.”
Through open and honest storytelling, Confessions: HIV Positive Women continues to break down stigma, amplify women’s voices, and foster a supportive community for those impacted by HIV. As we recognize NWGHAAD, let us reaffirm our commitment to raising awareness, advocating for equitable healthcare, and ensuring that all women and girls – regardless of their circumstances – have access to the resources and support they need to live full, healthy lives.
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