20th Annual Women as the Face of AIDS Summit Abstract Submission Deadline: February 24, 2025

via Iris House

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Summit Abstracts Request

Iris House: A Center for Women Living with HIV/AIDS, is now accepting workshop proposal abstracts for our annual Women as the Face of AIDS Summit, taking place both in person and virtually (hybrid) on Monday, May 5, 2025. The summit will provide educational and networking opportunities for people living with HIV/AIDS, healthcare providers, mental health professionals, staff in HIV/AIDS service organizations, CBOs, government agencies, and medical facilities; while reaching women and providers, both in the U.S. and globally.

Theme

Legacy, Leadership, Liberation: The Evolution of Women in the Movement

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Summit—a pivotal milestone that calls for reflection on the ongoing impact of HIV/AIDS among women. According to recent data, women accounted for 18% of new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. in 2021, with Black women disproportionately affected, representing 50% of these diagnoses. Globally, 1.3 million people were newly infected with HIV in 2023—a 39% decrease since 2010—showing both progress and the need for continued efforts. Against this backdrop, the 2025 Summit’s theme, Legacy, Leadership, and Liberation, underscores our collective mission to celebrate two decades of achievements, empower a new generation of leaders, and address the systemic inequities that persist in care, access, and resources for women living with HIV.

Objectives

1. Celebrate the Legacy: Reflect on 20 years of progress, challenges, and achievements in addressing HIV/AIDS among women.
2. Empower Leadership: Equip the next generation of leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to continue the fight against HIV/AIDS.
3. Promote Liberation: Address stigma, disparities in care, and access to resources while advocating for comprehensive women’s health policies.

Tracks – Legacy, Leadership, & Liberation

Track 1: Legacy - Honoring Two Decades of Progress and Reflection:

The Legacy track celebrates 20 years of the Women as the Face of AIDS Health Summit, reflecting on the journey of empowering women and combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Over two decades, significant progress has been achieved, with global new infections decreasing by 39% since 2010 and 60% since the peak in 1995. Challenges, however, continue to persist, as evidenced by the 1.3 million new global infections in 2023—far above the 2025 target of fewer than 370,000. In the U.S., while new infections declined by 12% from 2018 to 2022, women continue to bear a disproportionate burden. In 2022, women accounted for 19% of new HIV infections, with Black/African American women making up 50% of those cases despite representing only 12% of the U.S. population. These data points illuminate the importance of preserving hard-earned progress while addressing the systemic inequities that continue to affect women, and particularly women of color. This track will explore how honoring the past informs strategies to sustain momentum in prevention, care, and advocacy for women and families affected by HIV/AIDS.

Abstract topics may include but are not limited to:

• Honoring the Contributions of Women in HIV Advocacy ]
• HIV & Aging - older persons living with HIV and thriving, how do we shape programs for persons over 50 living with HIV; how can long term survivors and long-time advocates advise younger women in the movement
• Addressing Intergenerational Trauma and Resilience - Intergeneration discussion (newly diagnosed vs those living with HIV 20+, 30+ years), both examining and reflecting on their different experiences
• Learning from the Past – what worked then and what’s working now

Track 2: Leadership - Advancing Equity and Empowerment in HIV Advocacy

The Leadership track focuses on fostering transformative leadership that addresses racial and gender disparities in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In 2022, heterosexual contact accounted for 15% of new infections, with women of color disproportionately impacted—Black/African American women made up 50% of new diagnoses among women, while Hispanic/Latino women accounted for 20%. Among young people aged 13-24, who represented 20% of new infections, there was a 30% decline from 2018 to 2022, signaling progress that must be sustained and expanded. Leadership in advocacy is critical to dismantling the compounded barriers to healthcare access, stigma, and discrimination faced by marginalized communities. This track will highlight innovative approaches, coalition-building, and strategies to empower women leaders in HIV advocacy, ensuring that the needs of women and families remain at the forefront of the global response to the epidemic.

Abstract topics may include but are not limited to:

• A Cultural Perspective on Achievements and Challenges in the Movement
• Leadership Strategies to Reduce Disparities in HIV Care
• Building Coalitions for Women-Centered Health Advocacy
• Mentorship and Empowerment: Developing Future Leaders in HIV Prevention and Care
• Peer Leadership & Disclosure Stigma: Address how peer leadership can combat disclosure stigma and provide emotional support for those facing isolation and loneliness in the HIV/AIDS community.
• Faith-Based Support & Stigma: Explore how faith communities can reduce stigma and serve as supportive, inclusive resources for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Track 3: Liberation - Dismantling Barriers and Building Equitable Futures

The Liberation Track addresses the systemic inequities and social determinants of health that perpetuate the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on women and marginalized communities. In 2022, Black/African American individuals accounted for 37% of new HIV infections, and Hispanic/Latino individuals represented 33%—disproportionate to their representation in the U.S. population. Women within these communities face intersecting challenges of stigma, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare resources, driving higher infection rates. This track will explore pathways to liberation through policy reform, community-driven solutions, and innovative approaches to reducing racial and gender disparities. By prioritizing equity in prevention, testing, and care efforts, we can create a future where women and families are no longer disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS.

Abstract topics may include but are not limited to:

• Liberating Women’s Voices in HIV Advocacy
• Women’s Health Track – Addressing health & access to care disparities; what will be the impact of the new administration
• Policy Solutions to Address Racial and Gender Disparities in HIV Care
• Tackling Stigma: Empowering Women Living with HIV and their allies

Workshop Presentations

Presenters can submit abstracts for 60-minute workshops reflecting the Summit’s tracks and themes. We welcome diverse formats, including lectures, panels, Q&A sessions, and interactive workshops. Presentations should challenge participants to think critically and explore innovative solutions to the issues women face in the HIV/AIDS movement. Be advised that all breakout sessions for this year’s summit must be conducted in-person, and remote presentations will not be permitted.

Submission Guidelines

Abstracts must be submitted online via the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IHSUMMITAB25

Monday, February 24, 2025. 5:00 PM EST - Submission Deadline

Monday, March 24, 2025, 4:00 PM EST - Abstract Selections Announced

The following information is required for submission:

1. Presenter Name, Title and Organization
2. Track Selection
3. Presentation Title
4. Format: Lecture, Panel, Workshop, Etc.
5. Expected Audience: PLWHAs, CBO Staff, Medical Providers, Mental Health Professional, Organization Leaders, Policymakers, Community Members, Activists
6. Objective: Purpose and desired outcomes of the workshop
7. Methods: Strategies or approaches to be presented

Selected presentations utilizing visual aids (e.g., PowerPoint) must be submitted by Friday, April 25, 2025. Materials must credit third-party sources appropriately.

Honorarium and Reimbursement

The Summit committee regrets it cannot offer honorariums or reimbursements for food and transportation for all presenters. Transportation assistance requests can be included in the submission. Workshop panelists will receive breakfast and lunch.

Contact Information

For questions, please contact: Kim Richardson 
Email: krichardson@irishouse.org 
Phone: (646) 548-0100, x 221