“The particular impact that HIV has on women and girls was discussed during a panel discussion organized in conjunction with the 55th Session of Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW),” a UNAIDS update notes. “Broad ranging discussion took place during the event on how gender inequality, poverty, harmful cultural practices, and unequal power relations exacerbates [women’s] vulnerability to HIV infection,” the update notes, adding, “The panelists agreed that all barriers hampering women’s access to sexual and reproductive health services must be removed, and they called on State Parties to CEDAW to make the necessary investments to facilitate access to SRH services. They also encouraged State Parties to enhance their reporting on human rights issues as it relates to women and HIV and to better use CEDAW to advance the rights of women and women living with HIV in particular” (7/26).