Each year on 9 March, we join communities across Australia in recognising National Day of Women Living with HIV – a day that honours the strength, resilience and diversity of women whose lives have been impacted by HIV.
This year’s theme, Herstory: Unique and United, celebrates the many different journeys of women living with HIV, while highlighting the power of community, connection and shared experience. It reminds us that every woman’s story is unique and that every voice matters.
Our partners at NAPWHA are leading this important national conversation. Their Herstory campaign features powerful, personal stories that reflect the diversity of women who live with HIV today, including women from multicultural, refugee, regional and LGBTQIA+ communities.
These stories can be explored on the NAPWHA website and we encourage you to take the time to listen, learn and reflect.
Why this day matters
The experience of women living with HIV is often under-represented. Many women face intersecting challenges – including stigma, late diagnosis, caring responsibilities, financial insecurity, family or partner dynamics and cultural or language barriers.
National Day of Women Living with HIV is an important reminder that HIV does not look the same for everyone. It affects people of all ages, backgrounds, identities and life experiences – and women deserve visibility, representation and tailored support across the healthcare and community sectors.
BGF’s commitment
At BGF, our approach is grounded in inclusiveness and person-centred care. We welcome all people living with HIV, including women, trans women, non-binary people and gender-diverse communities.
Everyone who walks through our doors receives compassionate, trauma-informed and practical support. For many, that support includes:
- Access to case management and advocacy
- Help navigating HIV treatment, healthcare and social services
- Culturally safe and inclusive wellbeing programs
- Financial counselling and practical support
- Connection to peer networks and community partners.
Standing alongside women, today and every day
We celebrate the courage of women living with HIV who share their stories and we honour the women who choose to remain private – each making their own way, in their own time.
We acknowledge the women who have paved the way – activists, carers, clinicians, researchers, volunteers and community leaders who have fought for equity, dignity and inclusion.
Herstory: Unique and United is not just a theme. It is a reminder that every woman’s lived experience contributes to the broader story of Australia’s HIV response – and that we all share responsibility for creating a future where women living with HIV feel supported, safe and empowered.
BGF is proud to stand in solidarity with all women living with HIV. We honour your stories, we celebrate your strength and we walk beside you – always.
