This inspiring and powerful speech was delivered by Jessica Taylor, Positive Women Victoria (PWV) vice chair who was one of seven women in the Yes, Women Get HIV Too campaign and the key note speaker at PWVs morning tea to celebrate the National Day of Women Living With HIV. Every year, the national Network of Women Living With HIV Australia (facilitated by the National Association of People with HIV Australia), runs a social media campaign. Yes, Women Get HIV Too was the campaign for 2024 and aimed to fight stigma and misinformation and raise awareness of HIV testing for women as nearly 70% of women diagnosed with HIV in Australia are diagnosed late. 

It is a privilege to stand before you as a woman and advocate living with HIV in Australia. For too long, the narrative around HIV has been dominated by stigmatization and misinformation. It is time to change that narrative, and that is precisely what the Yes, Women Get HIV Too campaign aims to do.

To be a woman living with HIV in Australia means to navigate  complex web of challenges, from social stigma to accessing healthcare and support systems. It means facing discrimination and judgement, often from the very people who should be offering us understanding and compassion. But it also means resilience, strength and courage. It means being part of a community of women who support and uplift each other, who refuse to be defined by their diagnosis, and who fight tirelessly for their rights and dignity.

As Vice Chair of Positive Women Victoria, I am committed to amplifying the voices of women living with HIV and advocating for their needs and rights. I believe that every woman deserves access to comprehensive healthcare, support, and resources, regardless of her HIV status. I think it's also important to address that nearly 70% of women diagnosed with HIV are diagnosed late. And I think this is something that the new HIV tests can assist with an earlier diagnosis.

"It also means resilience, strength, and courage."

Through the Yes, Women Get HIV Too campaign, we aim to raise awareness and challenge the stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding HIV. We want to show the world that women living with HIV are not victims, but survivors, warriors, and agents of change. Together, we can create a world where women living with HIV are not judged or discriminated against but are celebrated for their resilience and strength. A world where they can live their lives with dignity and without fear of stigma or discrimination. 

I am proud to be a woman 'thriving' living with HIV and to be part of this campaign. I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure that the voices of women living with HIV are heard and respected. Together, we can educate and update knowledge and make a difference. 

"Women living with HIV are... survivors, warriors, and agents of change."

The world has changed a lot over the last 40+ years, so has the knowledge of HIV around the world. It's time that we stand together and get acknowledged, without fear of being judged, share the new updated information about HIV and U=U, help educate others, let us be heard that 'Yes, Women do get HIV too'.

Thank you.

This story was originally posted on the Positively Women Autumn 2024 newsletter.