YWCA of Naucalpan, Mexico workshop introduces female condoms to community
Educating and informing women and young women in Mexico about HIV prevention has been a journey of self-discovery for the YWCA of Naucalpan, Mexico. “When we started our work we had to eliminate our own fears about sexuality and start working on our personal growth,” says YWCA Naucalpan Prosecretary Claudia Vázquez Izquierdo.
The YWCA of Naucalpan has been working on HIV and AIDS issues since 2005. The association offers workshops on safe sex, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and personal development with a strong focus on both female and male condoms. Among their prevention efforts, the association provides staff at Telmex, the largest cellular phone company in Mexico, with HIV prevention training.
Although Mexico is home to 11% of people living HIV in Latin America , Mexico's epidemic has levelled off somewhat in recent years. It is still largely concentrated among men who have sex with men, but there has been a gradual shift towards injecting drug users and women.
The association has facilitated workshops on the female condom for young women in an engaging and youth friendly style to empower young people to develop advocacy skills around HIV prevention. “ We think the secret in helping young women is just to get involved and commit to educating and informing them with knowledge. It will empower them to make better decisions about their health; and ultimately improve their lives.”
Related Links
