Strengthen Gender Responsiveness of National HIV Strategy

This project will identify vulnerabilities of female migrants in Guangdong Province and develop an evidenced informed strategy to improve gender equity, access to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reproductive health (RH) and legal aid services on employment rights and sexual harassment among female migrant workers in Guangdong by partnership with local family planning association and the Global Fund Project China office.

Background

In recent years, the primary mode of transmission for China’s HIV epidemic has shifted to sexual transmission. Among the 740,000 people living with HIV (PLHIV) estimated in 2009, 59% were attributed to sexual transmission. Of these, 44.3% were transmitted through heterosexual contact and 14.7% through homosexual contact. Among heterosexual contacts, an estimated one third occurred between spouses.

Meanwhile the proportion of women infected with HIV has doubled, increasing from 15.3% in 1998 to 30.5% in 2009. This data highlights the urgent need for comprehensive analysis to identify the specific needs and vulnerabilities of women and girls, including their vulnerability to violence, and action taken to ensure gender-responsive policy and program development.

This project will identify the specific vulnerabilities female migrants in Guangdong province face and develop an evidenced-based strategy to improve gender equity, access to STI/RH, and legal aid services on employment rights and sexual harassment. It will target female migrant workers in Guangdong, and conduct project activities in partnership with local family planning associations and the Global Fund Project China office.

Project objectives

- To address the vulnerabilities that female migrants may face in participating companies in Shenzhen;
- To improve access of STI/RH, legal aid services on employment rights, legal aid and supporting services for female migrants, particularly in relation to sexual harassment; and
- To build the capacity of project partners.

Coverage

National level and Shenzhen, Guangdong Province

For further information please contact:

Ms Wu Rulian
Programme Officer
ILO Country Office for China and Mongolia
Tel: +86 10 6532 5091