Reflections from the 3rd African Workshop on Women & HIV 2026
The 3rd African Workshop on Women & HIV 2026 took place from 12–13 March 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, bringing together researchers, advocates, healthcare providers, and community voices to reflect on the realities shaping the HIV response for women across Africa.
Representing #TeamPATA, Dr Abigail Dreyer and Nomonde Ngema, PATA Youth Advisory Panel member and Ambassador, joined this important forum to share perspectives on youth-centred treatment and care, language, stigma, and the role of young people in shaping more inclusive HIV responses.
Speaking as part of the panel discussion on Language & Stigma, Nomonde reminded participants that the words we use matter. Language can either reinforce stigma or help create safer, more respectful spaces for women, adolescents, and young people living with and affected by HIV.
As Nomonde highlighted: “Young people are not just the future of the HIV response. We are the present, and we get to shape how we move forward in the response.”
Her reflection speaks directly to the importance of ensuring that young people, healthcare providers, and communities are recognised as equal partners in building HIV services that are person-centred, stigma-free, and grounded in real experience.
