Attention was drawn to HIV and AIDS Awareness

The '4th Reproductive Health Exhibition and HIV / AIDS Awareness Symposium' were held by Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences Midwifery Department and Turkish Family Health and Planning Foundation. Issues such as gender equality, violence against women, peer violence and support were discussed at the symposium, and important issues such as HIV/AIDS awareness were discussed. At the symposium, it was pointed out that prejudices and stereotypes in these areas constitute a major problem. Participants emphasized that social awareness should be increased on these issues and that individuals should not neglect basic protective measures.

The opening speeches of the symposium held at Üsküdar University NP Health Campus were made by Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences Midwifery Department Head Prof. Güler Cimete.

Prof. Güler Cimete: "Our aim is to raise awareness"

Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences Midwifery Department Head Prof. Güler Cimete mentioned in her speech that there are courses on these subjects due to the Midwifery department and that information is obtained. Cimete stated that "On World AIDS Day, our aim is to raise awareness, especially on reproductive health, sexual health, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS. We find it appropriate to discuss World AIDS Day by combining it with other social problems, and we do it in this way. As we celebrate today, we provide information about reproductive organs and verbal information in our exhibition, which constitutes an important scope of sexual health education, and conveys information on these issues to other peers. In this field, it is very valuable for them to be aware of ourselves and to raise awareness in the society, to prevent gender discrimination, to raise awareness of victims of violence about the issue, to protect themselves, to perceive that they are with someone instead of feeling alone, to feel that they are strong, and most importantly, to learn what their rights are. For this reason, we will not only raise awareness in the society, but also create a social power."

Hilal Çeliker: "HIV/AIDS is not just a health problem, it is a multifaceted issue"

Stating that they gathered to develop awareness and solutions that will reach all segments of the society, Hilal Çeliker said that "HIV/AIDS is not only a health problem, but also a multifaceted issue regarding social, cultural and economic aspects. Gender inequality is one of the biggest obstacles to the fight against HIV/AIDS. We have gathered here today to raise awareness and solutions that will reach all segments of society. Our aim is to contribute to the construction of a society where everyone can receive equal health care and people living with HIV/AIDS are not stigmatized and excluded. Raising awareness and solidarity are the cornerstones of this struggle. Together, we can take stronger steps at both the individual and societal levels. I hope that this symposium will make a valuable contribution to raising awareness of HIV and AIDS."

Attorney Eylül Evren: "I believe that it is very important to act together"

Delivering a speech to defend the rights of women and children, Attorney Eylül Evren stated that "Today, we are intensely concerned with the reports we have received of child abuse, especially in the last two months. On behalf of the Children and Women Association, I would like to thank all the participants. The association was founded in 2018 and we volunteer as lawyers in murder and child abuse cases against women. We work with education, health and media workers because many of these cases are noticed by these people. I believe that it is very important to act together. Solidarity creates great strength in such cases. Violence against women exposes women to inequality from an early age. It is very important to protect women, to make them feel that they are not alone. In cases of violence, the first step is to ensure security and apply to the competent authorities. We can empower victims of violence with psychological support and legal assistance. In addition, rational intervention is important against the cases of violence we see on the streets."

Ülkü Dikici: "Equality is not a right, but it is an obligation"

Ülkü Dikici, who made a presentation about gender equality of women and men, stated that "Gender equality is when men and women have equal rights and opportunities. The confusion of gender roles in society creates the misconception of women as caregivers and men as powerful figures in the workforce. Women can also work, and men can care. We want our equal rights, and we do not demand any extra rights. Gender equality does not mean that women are superior to men. Gender equality is the foundation of social justice and supports economic growth. Gender inequality in education causes girls to fall behind in education. Women have limited access to health care, and they are often promoted through caregiving roles. The media portrays women in domestic roles and men in powerful leadership figures. Equality is not a right, but it is an obligation. Together, we must break the mold and take action for gender equality."

Zeyneb Sude Karagüney: "People around should also be sensitive to bullying and support the victims"

Zeyneb Sude Karagüney, General Coordinator of Psychoform Academy, who made her presentation on peer violence; "Bullying is defined as when a person or group repeatedly exhibits negative behavior towards other individuals because they are powerless. Olweus stated that peer bullying is a deliberate, sustained, and power imbalance situation. Bullying can be of various types, including verbal, physical, social, and cyber. In universities, peer bullying can be seen in the form of psychological pressure among students. In the fight against bullying, it is important for victims to seek support, set boundaries and record incidents. In addition, those in the vicinity should be sensitive to bullying and support the victims."

Zehranur Çetin: "Peer support has a healing effect on anxiety and depression"

Zehranur Çetin, who made a presentation about peer support and its importance in the university environment, stated that "Peer support in the university environment refers to the help that students with psychological disorders or learning disabilities provide to each other. This support improves the mental health of both the recipient and the giver of support by offering social and practical assistance. Types of peer support include emotional, educational, social, and academic support. Being a peer supporter improves skills such as communication, empathy, and leadership. Peer support has healing effects against problems such as anxiety and depression, and it is important to spread this culture in school and in the community."

Nurşen Kanbur: "Everyone needs to be more conscious about sexual health"

Nurşen Kanbur from the Family Health and Planning Foundation of Türkiye gave important information about sexually transmitted infections and safe sexuality. Kanbur stated that "Safety in sexual health is to be protected from unwanted pregnancies and infections, to maintain a mentally and socially healthy sexual life without being subjected to violence and discrimination. I should mention that young people are at risk for sexually transmitted infections, with one in eight young people at risk of encountering these infections. These infections can be transmitted in three ways. It can be passed through sexual intercourse, through the blood, and from mother to baby. Most infections are asymptomatic; therefore, people who have sex should get tested regularly. Since the bodies of young people are still in the developmental stage, they are more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections during this period. Everyone needs to be more aware of sexual health."

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)