What’s one stereotype about women? That we like to shop. And that’s the thing about stereotypes…sometimes they show the truth, just a little. As you know, this week I’m attending the International AIDS Conference in Vienna, Austria, where I will do my best to keep you posted about all the things I’m learning about women, girls and HIV.

One thing that I think is really neat, and also something that is exhibited here a lot, is how the empowerment of women through supporting trades and crafts has been used to help people living with HIV, and preventing new infections among those that don’t have the virus.

The idea is, if poverty (lack of money) puts girls in situations where they are unable to control the safety of sex, they are more at risk of HIV. For example, if the woman relies on a man for money, food and shelter, she is more likely to put her body at risk with her partner than if she doesn’t depend on him. Need for money may also cause a woman to earn a living in situations that may put her at risk of HIV, such as through prostitution or working as a servant in someone’s house. Another example is that lack of money can mean women and girls might live in unsafe housing situations where they feel unsafe or are at risk of sexual abuse or rape, and therefore experience high HIV risk.

So, the logic is, if women can have economic power, they can also help to reduce their risk of HIV, or be better able to deal with the disease if they are living with it. Many organizations have helped women to organize themselves into cooperatives or take training to start their own businesses in the hopes that they will be able to use this economic power to protect themselves from HIV, and support their families. For example, Plan supports women this way by providing sewing machines and tools to help women set up their own businesses.

Here in Vienna, tons of these women’s groups have brought their wares to the Global Village marketplace, from paper beads from Uganda (see picture) to bracelets and textiles, there is tons of awesome stuff to be had. When I get my bank statement, I’ll just say it was for a good cause!

(Photo Credit: House of Sims)