International AIDS Conference 2010 Report: Empowered Women Part 1

Day one of the International AIDS Conference 2010, Vienna saw UK singer and activist Annie Lennox speak out in support of those living with HIV in developing countries who do not have a voice. As a successful member of the Eurythmics and solo performer Lennox (since 2003) has been consistently vocal about HIV and AIDS, particularly women and children who have been affected.

Speaking about her own experience she showed the audience images of her time spent in communities in South Africa which conveyed the devastating consequences of the virus. Lennox produced pictures of the human face of AIDS, HIV positive children, and reminded us all that the face of AIDS in 2010 is not what it was in the 1980s at the emergence of the pandemic. People can no longer assume it’s an infection that is only live among gay men but one that has spread so widely that it now affects people living across different continents, of all ages, men, women and most tragically children and babies. HIV/AIDS doesn't only discriminate; it hurts those most vulnerable in developing nations on a global scale.

"...the face of AIDS in 2010 is not what it was in the 1980s at the emergence of the pandemic."

Lennox, a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador, seven years on remains undeterred and continues to fight for justice for those most in need of treatment. As a celebrity, it is commendable that she uses her influence to help those in need.

Day three of the conference, July 20, will see Lennox lead the AIDS 2010 Human Rights March in central Vienna which will culminate in a rally on the streets of Vienna; and see Lennox herself perform live as well as delivering a special presentation of her SING campaign at Helden Platz.

She gives young women in both developed and developing nations a positive role model, and her determination is a reminder that empowered women can make a difference.

For more information head to www.annielennoxsing.com [1] or www.HIVHumanRightsNow.org [2].

Words and photo: Elaine Wong