Women's Network Plays Role in AIDS 2006 in Toronto

Among the 24,000 people expected to convene in Toronto at the 16th International AIDS Conference will be women from around the world united through the Athena Network.

The Athena Network is "a group of women's activists who have been using the International AIDS Conference as a platform to dialogue among those working in international levels, doing international lobbying and advocacy in the international arena," said Monruedee Laphimon, who is leading the network's delegation from Thailand.

The Athena Network seeks to advance gender equality, human rights and the global response to HIV/AIDS based on the principles of the Barcelona Bill of Rights. That document, which was published at the 2002 International AIDS Conference, aims to ensure certain basic human rights for women and girls.

In addition to co-sponsoring the women's march scheduled for the morning of Aug. 14, the Athena Network is sponsoring other activities and workshops in the Global Village area of the conference. Laphimon pointed out that conference credentials are not needed to take part in Global Village activities.

Addressing the conference theme, "Time to Deliver," Laphimon noted that the Barcelona (2002) and Bangkok (2004) International AIDS Conferences also issued a call to action. "But actually it's only action during the time of the conference, but afterward it hasn't been pushed that hard," she said.

For more information on the network, visit www.athenanetwork.org.

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