Key Recommendations for Practitioners
1. Meaningful Engagement
Engage women living with HIV across research, policy, and practice. Their lived experiences provide invaluable insights that can guide more effective interventions. Ensure that engagement is not tokenistic but provides real opportunities for women to influence decisions that affect their lives.2. Center Indigenous Women’s Voices
Recognize the unique challenges faced by Indigenous women living with HIV. Their priorities and perspectives should be at the forefront of any SRHR initiatives. Integrate culturally safe and relevant practices that honor traditional ways of knowing and healing.3. Use Inclusive and De-Stigmatizing Language
Language is powerful. Using inclusive, respectful, and non-stigmatizing language can create an enabling environment for women living with HIV. This includes person-first language and terms that reflect the strengths and experiences of these women.4. Strengthen Knowledge Translation
Ensure that up-to-date and relevant SRHR information is accessible to all stakeholders, including women living with HIV, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Knowledge translation initiatives can support self-advocacy and informed decision-making.5. Catalyze Reciprocal Relationships Between Evidence and Action
Actions to advance SRHR should be guided by research evidence, and research should be informed by what is needed for effective action. This reciprocal relationship ensures that interventions are both evidence-based and practically relevant.Why These Recommendations Matter
These recommendations are designed to create enabling environments that support the health and well-being of women living with HIV. By integrating these practices into your online therapy sessions, you can contribute to a more inclusive and effective healthcare system.Encouraging Further Research
Staying informed about the latest research and best practices is essential for any practitioner. The research article provides a comprehensive overview of the national consultation process and offers actionable recommendations that can be applied in various contexts.To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Key recommendations for developing a national action plan to advance the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women living with HIV in Canada.
