Stigma against mentally ill persons is a major problem and has increased in incidence. Multiple studies have suggested that the perception of violent behavior by seriously mentally ill individuals is an important cause of stigma. It is also known that treating seriously mentally ill people decreases violent behavior. Therefore, the most effective way to decrease stigma is to make sure that patients receive adequate treatment. Stigma can lead to discrimination. Discrimination may be … [Read more...]
Postpartum Depression is Real – Take Action!
January 22, 2014 by
Having a baby is an exciting event. However, along with the joy, excitement and euphoria that surrounds the birth of a baby, many women experience feelings of depression as well as increased sensitivity, tearfullness and irritability. A woman might worry that she will not be a good mother, or that her relationship with her husband will be negatively affected by the birth. These anxieties together with unbalanced hormones and extreme fatigue can contribute to drastic mood swings, … [Read more...]
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
January 12, 2014 by
In Canada, 747,000 people currently live with dementia and one of the major challenges they and their families face when they receive the diagnosis is the stigma associated with it. In fact, according to a recent poll by Alzheimer's Disease International, 40 per cent of people with dementia reported they had been avoided or treated differently after diagnosis. That's why, this January during Alzheimer Awareness Month, the Alzheimer Society Canada is launching a nation-wide campaign called "See … [Read more...]
International Widow’s Day – JUNE 23
June 9, 2013 by
Plight of Widows and their Children Around the World Many people may not know anything about the discrimination against and degradation of widows. It had never been addressed by governments or the UN on a global scale; it had simply been swept under the carpet. In 2009 The Loomba Foundation commissioned a report to be researched and written on the plight of widows around the world. The Widows Research Report is a comprehensive study of every facet and factor concerning widowhood; it … [Read more...]
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL HIV/AIDS STRATEGY?
March 13, 2013 by
Last Sunday marked Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, and we are providing an update on the Working Group’s progress. As co-chairs, we are personally committed to this work, having first-hand community and clinical experience in seeing and treating the devastating effects violence has on the lives of women and their families. PROGRESS TO DATE: PRESIDENT’S WORKING GROUP ON THE INTERSECTION OF HIV/AIDS, VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS, AND GENDER-RELATED HEALTH … [Read more...]
Bi-Polar Disorder – WOMEN in RECOVERY
November 17, 2012 by
The causes of bipolar disorder have yet to be fully uncovered, but there is strong evidence that brain structure anomalies play a role. Bipolar disorder or bipolar affective disorder (historically known as manic-depressive disorder) is a psychiatric diagnosis for a mood disorder in which people experience disruptive mood swings. These encompass a frenzied state known as mania (or hypomania) usually alternated with symptoms of depression. Bipolar disorder is defined by the presence of … [Read more...]
Meena Seshu, founder of India’s SANGRAM: HIV,VIOLENCE & SEX WORK
July 25, 2012 by
As the founder of SANGRAM, an Indian non-governmental organisation that works with sex workers to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS, Meena Seshu has strongly lobbied against the image of sex workers as powerless, irresponsible or even deserving of harm. Based in rural Maharashtra, the group seeks to empower the workers – most of whom are women – to form collectives and lobby for their rights. Here Seshu explains that in order to help reduce their vulnerability to HIV, any efforts must first help … [Read more...]
Indonesian HIV advocate, Baby Rivona
July 20, 2012 by
The International Aids Conference 2012 to be held in Washington, D.C. from 22 to 27 July, is bringing together activists and experts from around the world to shape the global response to HIV/AIDS. Stigma, gender based violence and discrimination continue to fuel the HIV/AIDS pandemic, increasing the risk of violence and HIV infection for women and girls, and reducing their access to resources and services. Baby Rivona has advocated passionately on behalf of women living with HIV and … [Read more...]
Zimbabwe, women with HIV leading change, claiming their rights
June 6, 2012 by
As a woman with deteriorating health due to HIV, Phillipa Marisa, 60, used to agonize over the legacy that she would leave her children. Since her husband’s death from AIDS she had become dispossessed from her property in Hopley Farm, Harare, faced discord within her family, and had fierce arguments with her in-laws. Yet she found support and solace in a programme that connects HIV-affected women with their property and inheritance rights, and with each other. “They taught us women to … [Read more...]
Saving Face Can’t Make You Safe – HIV and the AAPI Community
June 2, 2012 by
“Saving face can’t make you safe. “Talk about HIV—for me, for you, for everyone.” The slogan is reflective of how Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders need to embrace the growing concern of HIV in our communities. Judging by recent activities the efforts to educate the community about HIV is having an impact. On May 19, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders gathered at more than 20 community events for the 8th Annual National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. … [Read more...]
