Huffington Post Canada: It Is Time To Rally Around Young Women And Girls
Monica Geingos, first lady of the Republic of Namibia

“…Oppression of women and appropriation of their sexual reproduction processes by men has meant that as we press forward with efforts to end HIV as an epidemic, adolescent girls and young women in their reproductive age have been left way behind. … We must do more for our young women and girls. … We have to be innovative. … The Global Fund is investing strongly in improving the health of women and girls, by advancing gender equality and supporting programs that can build resilience and independence among young women and girls. … To achieve this goal, among others, the Global Fund is holding a replenishment conference on September 16-17, in Montreal, Canada. … With sufficient domestic and international investments in health and other social programs that affect women’s health, we can move ahead in laying a foundation for transformation of the lives of Africa’s women and girls. … Educated and empowered women will raise children who have the power to seize opportunities, prevent diseases and live successfully” (9/13).