Top 5 Most Powerful Moments During National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (March 10) is a day to raise awareness about the impact of HIV on women and girls – and to show support for women and girls with HIV and AIDS. MDHHS Division of HIV/STI hosts an annual event that focuses on educating and empowering those people in Michigan who address HIV/AIDS-related issues. The event is a safe space to focus on – and listen to – women living with HIV and AIDS, and recognize their unique needs and their resilience. 2022 is the third year that MPHI helped to plan and coordinate MDHHS’s National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day event.
Preview of National Women and Girls Day Content — View the Full Content Online
This year’s event was held online, via Zoom. Over 150 attendees, heard from 19 speakers throughout the day. This event truly succeeded in a few key indicators: building community in a virtual space; engaging people’s minds, and hearts, and providing resources to improve care tailored to the needs of women and girls with HIV.
Because the event was online, a recording of the day is available for viewing. If you’re looking for the most powerful moments, we have a preview of our top five.
- National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Proclamation
This is the first year that this day was officially recognized by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who issued a proclamation bringing attention to it. As Tracy Peterson-Jones, MSW, read the Governor’s proclamation during the Welcome/Purpose, it was a powerful moment of recognition for the hard work of everyone who has been bringing attention to the women and girls who have, or are at risk of, HIV and AIDS. - Dr. Loretta Ross
Thanks to the power of virtual meetings, we were able to broadcast the keynoter from across the country. She is a racial justice advocate, a survivor of nonconsensual sterilization, and a co-founding member of reproductive justice organization SisterSong. As a leading mind regarding systemic and institutional racism, Dr. Ross enlightened the audience on medical racism and reproductive justice. Many participants remarked that hers was the best presentation of the day. The Q&A period between Kyra Sanders, MSW, and Dr. Ross was a special moment, as well – with Sanders having a deep understanding of the history of Dr. Ross’ work and asking very poignant questions. - Video Breaks
You had to be there. These moments were exclusive for live event attendees only – unfortunately. The event featured a dynamic playlist of all-women performances. The event featured a dynamic playlist of all-women performances, and there was also an incredibly moving clip of the event steering committee sharing words of affirmations and empowerment. Custom multi-media breaks with curated music, videos, and poetry, are an MPHI staple – a touch that infuses energy into any virtual event that the organization plans. - Panel Discussion
The panel discussion featured four women who are not only living with HIV but who are doing work and advocacy to support others who are also living with HIV or AIDS. The panel spoke about their lived experiences and the personal impact of Ryan White. They shared their truth, and all the practitioners in the room expressed so much gratitude for their session. Attendees all remarked that the panelists’ stories and experiences will impact on the daily care that the attendees offer to their clients living with HIV/AIDS. - The Rest of the Speakers
Honestly, it would be an injustice to pick just one speaker from the rest of the line-up. Depending on what you are looking for, each speaker could be the most interesting or meaningful presentation of the day for you.
The day was split between data presentations and programmatic overviews – to sessions about self-care that benefit practitioners and clients. Attendees raved that they wished there was more time for each and every presenter.Take some time to watch the recording of the event for yourself.Also, check out our available trainings and events about HIV/STI Prevention and Care, and other events from our MDHHS partners.
