At the end of 2008 it was estimated that out of the 31.3 million adults worldwide living with HIV and AIDS, around half are women.1 It is suggested that 98 percent of these women live in developing countries.2 The AIDS epidemic has had a unique impact on women, which has been exacerbated by their role within society and their biological vulnerability to HIV infection.

Generally women are at a greater risk of heterosexual transmission of HIV. Biologically women are twice more likely to become infected with HIV through unprotected heterosexual intercourse than men. In many countries women are less likely to be able to negotiate condom use and are more likely to be subjected to non-consensual sex.3 4

Additionally, millions of women have been indirectly affected by the HIV and AIDS epidemic. Women’s childbearing role means that they have to contend with issues such as mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The responsibility of caring for AIDS patients and orphans is also an issue that has a greater effect on women.

There are a number of things that can be done in order to reduce the burden of the epidemic among women. These include promoting and protecting women’s human rights, increasing education and awareness among women and encouraging the development of new preventative technologies such as post-exposure prophylaxis and microbicides.

More on this topic:

Women, HIV and AIDS – the global picture

How is the HIV and AIDS epidemic affecting women?

Why is it difficult for women to protect themselves from HIV infection?

What needs to change?

HIV positive women

Source: www.avert.org/women-hiv-aids.htm

TAKE THE TEST NOW!

On the evening of December 5th the event “Rubber Seoul” will be taking place in Hongdae for its second year running. As well as to raise money the event is being held to remind people to have safe sex. This is a very important issue since the Korea Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 99% of the new cases of HIV/AIDS found in 2008 were transmitted sexually.

What Rubber Seoul is offering is access into three of Hongdae’s most vibrant clubs: Janes Groove, FF and DGBD and be able to see some of Seoul’s hottest bands, all for a tiny 10,000 won. If that’s not enough, you will also receive a Little Travellers doll to take home with you. Last year over 1000 people came out in Hongdae to join in Rubber Seoul and we raised an astonishing 12 million Won. Which really helped improve women’s lives in Africa. So don’t miss out on this years event, come along have fun and help us to help others.

Also on December 5th Medi peace are offering an interactive discussion with expert opinions. Not only will they address the dangers and medical facts surrounding AIDS but also the wider social issues such as the discrimination that people with AIDS live with and how we can change the stigmas attached with AIDS. It is of pivotal importance that AIDS ceases to be ignored and viewed as an irrelevant problem in Korea if the steady spread of the disease is to be halted. So come along and join in the discussions.

Little Travellers are beautiful hand made pins made by women affected by HIV/ AIDS in South Africa. Little Travellers is a not-for-profit organization that started in Canada and is now here in Korea, run mainly by volunteers. These dolls are sold for 5,000 Won and 100% of the proceeds are go to help fight HIV/AIDS in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, where over 40% of adults are infected. All proceeds from Rubber Seoul will go to the Hillcrest AIDS Center in South Africa. To learn more about Little Travellers please visit http://www.littletravellers.net/.

Medi peace, a Korean founded organization, is a global healthcare NGO that aims to join aid efforts and help establish a primary health care system in disaster zones. Medi peace also provides medical care for those who are isolated from global healthcare systems. In order to achieve these goals, Medi peace has several major projects which it is currently working on. To find out more about Medi peace and the projects they are working on please go to http://medipeace.tistory.com/.

If after reading this you are inspired to do more to help then you’re in luck as we are looking for volunteers to help us on the night of the event. You can contact us at korea@littletravellers.net. Please don’t forget to check the Rubber Seoul 2009 Facebook or http://www.rubberseoul2009.wordpress.com for updates on venues and bands!

Contacts: Thency 010-4363-0609 before 3pm and Sue Bullas 010-5680-1800 after 3pm.

Why not test yourself with these interactive quizzes?

You might just surprise yourself.

There’s a sex quiz, pregnancy quiz, condom quiz and HIV & AIDS quiz. New to this? Try the beginner level quizzes. Think you’re up for a challenge? Try the difficult quizzes……

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ARE YOU READY??????

http://www.avert.org/quizzes.htm

We will be releasing a full lists of bands in the next couple of days. In the meantime, just to whet your appetite, please check out the Venues and Bands tab at the top of the page.

We are currently designing posters and t-shirt designs especially for the night. Please stay tuned for further progress.

And lastly, please check out our Facebook group site and join our event.

SPREAD THE WORD – GET THE MESSAGE OUT THERE - a night of amazing fun and quality music all for a great cause!

That’s all for now!

Rubber Seoul Organising Crew