Transforming the National AIDS Response: Mainstreaming Gender Equality and Women’s Human Rights into the ‘Three Ones’

The “Three Ones” principles for the coordination of national AIDS responses — one national AIDS action framework, one national AIDS coordinating authority, and one system for monitoring and evaluation — are intended to achieve the most effective and efficient use of resources, and to ensure rapid action and results-based management. However, attention to gender in the “Three Ones” remains inadequate, despite progress in recognizing gender inequality as a driver of HIV and AIDS and in strengthening laws that protect women’s rights.

This publication highlights approaches and examples that ensure that the three principles promote and protect gender equality as a key element in strategies to prevent and treat HIV and AIDS. The first chapter examines why gender equality and women’s human rights are central to the principles of the “Three Ones.” The next three chapters cover each of the principles, analyzing proposed entry points for integrating gender equality and women’s rights. The final chapter contains recommendations on strengthening gender equality in AIDS actions and strategies.

The guide includes tools and checklists that can provide guidance on how to conduct gender and human rights audits and analyses to inform HIV and AIDS policies and frameworks and their implementation. There are also case studies illustrating successful local, national, regional and international initiatives that demonstrate how incorporating a gender equality perspective into HIV and AIDS programmes and policies can yield positive results and transform the national AIDS response.

The guide is designed for use by members of national AIDS coordinating authorities; government ministries and departments involved in the national AIDS response; members of legislatures, especially those on committees addressing HIV/AIDS; members of UN Country Teams; and civil society groups involved in the national AIDS response.

The publication will soon be available in Spanish.