Health
Indigenous women living with HIV encounter disparities in healthcare access and are at higher risk of experiencing gender-based violence and human rights violations. In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued guidelines emphasizing the crucial role of gender equality and human rights in the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of women affected by HIV.
To address these pressing issues, the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN) is actively developing an Indigenous framework with three primary objectives:
- Overcoming obstacles hindering progress in collecting SRHR data.
- Creating culturally sensitive solutions tailored to Indigenous communities.
- Mentoring Indigenous women and girls in the context of global SRHR metrics.
This comprehensive project involves a range of activities, including scoping reviews, discussions, surveys, and the development of a culturally appropriate toolkit on SRHR. The research team is in the process of seeking ethical approval from a reputable university to ensure that all research involving human subjects adheres to rigorous ethical standards.
The team consists of highly skilled researchers, community health workers, and civil society leaders, all united in their mission to empower Indigenous women and girls. Their efforts focus on providing knowledge and reducing the stigma associated with decisions related to their bodies and reproductive health.