ASAP undertook a review for the Global Fund, with UN Women, to assess the extent to which countries are implementing gender-responsive HIV programming, in light of the Global Fund’s Gender Equality Strategy.

Earlier reviews had considered the gender aspects of proposals made to the Global Fund, but have not captured the state and level of implementation of gender-responsive programming undertaken by countries with Global Fund grants.

ASAP’s goal was to provide the basis for the Global Fund and UN Women to support countries with guidance and recommendations that will enhance gender-responsive and gender-transformative programming.

Key areas of analysis include gender norms and harmful practices, gender-based violence against women, scaling up PMTCT efforts to keep mothers and babies healthy and HIV free, the leadership and meaningful involvement of women, especially women living with HIV in the response, programming to meet the needs and rights of women and girls from key populations, and to engage men and boys in efforts to address gender equality.

Client

Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria; UN Women

Process

The ASAP team, led by Hanke Nubé with Sophie Dilmitis, with Robin Gorna and Natalie Fisher-Spalton, conducted a detailed desk analysis of nine HIV Global Fund active grants from Rounds 7 (phase 2) to 9. Looking at the commitments made in the Gender Equality strategy with proposals made by countries and programmatic achievements. The review analysed the implementation of gender activities, documenting budgeted activities, and capturing key implementation successes and challenges.

The desk review informs the further in-depth enquiry that will be undertaken through in-country analyses. The review suggests three to five countries for analysis, as well as supplying criteria and methodology for these in-country case studies.

The final report provides an in-depth analysis that will support the Global Fund, UN Women and other technical agencies to enhance their support to countries to deliver gender-transformative HIV programming.