HIV/AIDS: In Their Own Words

Editor's Note: March 10 was the 10th annual commemoration of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. We continue to share messages and resources to highlight the impact of the epidemic on women and girls. Today, about 1 in 4 people living with HIV in the United States are women. Each woman touched by HIV/AIDS needs our support and our understanding. They need family, friends, and treatment. And they need us to listen to their stories.

This year we mark the 10th observance of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD) by listening to women whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS. Through the simple act of sharing their stories, these women embody the very heart of NWGHAAD: They offer support and hope, reduce stigma, share information, and empower women and girls to learn the importance of HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, and treatment.

Meet Acintia, Elizabeth, and Rachel. I am inspired by them, and by all of the women who shared their stories with us.

Join them in the fight against HIV/AIDS! Here's how you can participate:

• Learn what every woman needs to know about HIV/AIDS. Share what you learn and get tested.
• Read stories from caregivers, health care providers, and women of all ages living with and fighting HIV/AIDS.
• Show your support and make a statement! On March 10, wear red lipstick, a red ribbon, and/or red shoes. Use the #RedOn10 hashtag in any tweets with photos that show you wearing red.
• If you live in the Washington, DC, area, join the Red Shoe and Red Lipstick HIV/AIDS Awareness Day WalkExit Disclaimer on March 10.
• Keep the conversation going with your friends and family through social media. Use the #NWGHAAD hashtag.

The more we shine a light on the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls, the less stigma there will be for those affected now and in future generations. Let's raise our voices in support of women and girls.