Can economic empowerment reduce vulnerability of girls and young women to HIV?

In April 2010, the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW), with support from the Nike Foundation, convened an expert meeting of researchers, program implementers, policymakers and donors to explore emerging insights into the linkages between economic empowerment and HIV outcomes for girls and young women. This report synthesizes the key insights, questions, challenges and recommendations that emerged from the meeting.

It addresses two key questions:

• What are the links between economic status and HIV vulnerability of girls and young women?
• What is the role of economic empowerment in preventing and mitigating HIV among girls and young women?

The report also summarizes general principles that should apply to programs and policies aiming to address the vulnerability of girls in a context of poverty and HIV.