WOMEN TO WOMEN: POSITIVELY SPEAKING documents the first hand experiences of women from the UK, US and other parts of the world who are living with HIV/AIDS through first person testimonies and the striking photography of Mario Testino.

The publication draws subtle comparisons of the ways in which HIV/AIDS affects women and their environment in different countries, providing a forum for women both infected and affected by the virus to speak about their lives, the issues they face and concerns they have. Overall, the publication provides an inspiring view of women living with HIV/AIDS, capturing the dignity and bravery of the human spirit in dealing with this devastating condition.

Many of the testimonies are illustrated with portrait photographs of the women taken by internationally renowned photographer, Mario Testino, who is giving his name and skill to a social cause he strongly believes in, to help promote awareness of the issues faced by women living with HIV/AIDS. Some of the testimonies are included on this website.

The primary sponsor of the publication is Kenneth Cole New York. As an international fashion designer, Kenneth Cole is well-known for his powerful public awareness campaigns in support of various social causes, including HIV/AIDS.

Bianca Jagger, famous in her own right as an activist supporting many social issues affecting women and children, has contributed the introduction to the publication. She provides an overview of HIV/AIDS and how the pandemic has affected women in particular.

HIV/AIDS has immeasurable ramifications for the people it touches. According to latest statistics from the United Nations, nearly 39 million people worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS, of whom 36 million live in developing countries. In Sub-Saharan Africa alone there are over 25 million cases, 60% of them women and girls — partners, carers, breadwinners, widows, orphans.

In real terms, this means that globally 600 people become infected with HIV every hour and nearly 8,000 people die from AIDS related causes every day. The disease itself is both incurable and indiscriminate, touching people from all walks of life both directly and indirectly.

Women’s experiences of living with HIV/AIDS varies dramatically depending on where they live. In the UK, women have access to anti-retroviral drugs that can be used to inhibit the degenerative impact of the disease. This has dramatically improved their situation and chances of longer term survival. Social stigmatisation and isolation remain major concerns, however. In the US, free treatment is by no means guaranteed and there are still people struggling with HIV who cannot afford the medications they need to keep them healthy. For women from developing countries, who are generally unable to access good quality care and support, HIV/AIDS is compounding the problems caused by poverty and marginalisation that many of them already face daily.