What Works for Women and Girls

2009). “The invisibility and marginalization of WSW is leading to the sexual and reproductivehealth needs not being adequately met” (Tallis, 2008). Almost no data from developing countriesexist to identify what works to prevent HIV in women who have sex with women. Someorganizations, such as the Triangle Project (www.triangle.org.za) in South Africa, advocate andprovide services for lesbian, bisexual and women who have sex with women. Further effortsare needed to identify what works to prevent HIV in women who have sex with women.Gaps in Programming—Women Who Have Sex with Women1. HIV prevention programs are needed for WSW.2. Health care settings need to offer appropriate, non-discriminatory services—and beattentive to HIV risk behaviors—to meet the sexual and reproductive health needs ofWSW.1. HIV prevention programs are needed for WSW. Studies found that no training programsaddressed the HIV-related needs of WSW, health providers discriminated against WSWand were refused treatment. WSW did not tell providers their sexual orientation and/ortheir relationships with men due to a need for non-judgmental services.Gap noted, for example, in Chile, Mexico, Argentina and Peru (Guerrero-Lilo et al.,2008) and South Africa (Van Dyk et al., 2008).2. Health care settings need to offer appropriate, non-discriminatory services—and be attentiveto HIV risk behaviors—to meet the sexual and reproductive health needs of WSW.Studies found that a number of WSW also have sexual relationships with men yet did notget tested for HIV.Gap noted, for example, in Chile (Vidal et al., 2008); South Africa (Wells et al., N.D.);South Africa and Botswana (IGLHRC, 2007); and Brazil (Pinto et al., 2005).WHAT WORKS FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS111