Maldhari Rural Action Group

Indigenous women with HIV face disparities in healthcare access and are more vulnerable to gender-based violence and rights violations. In 2017, the WHO issued guidelines emphasising the significance of gender equality and human rights in the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of women who have HIV. To tackle these issues, the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN) is working on an Indigenous framework with three objectives: addressing barriers to progress in SRHR data, developing culturally sensitive solutions, and mentoring Indigenous women and girls in global SRHR metrics. The project involves scoping reviews, discussions, surveys, and the creation of a culturally and Indigenous-appropriate toolkit on SRHR. Ethical approval is being sought from a reputable university to ensure that the research involving human subjects adheres to ethical standards. The research team, which includes skilled researchers, community health workers, and civil society leaders, aims to empower Indigenous women and girls by providing knowledge and reducing the stigma surrounding their decisions about their bodies.