Attention Drawn to HIV and AIDS Awareness

The '4th Reproductive Health Exhibition and HIV / AIDS Awareness Symposium' was held by Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery, and the Turkish Family Health and Planning Foundation. Important topics such as HIV/AIDS awareness, gender equality, violence against women, and peer violence and support were discussed at the symposium. It was noted that prejudices and stereotypes in these areas constitute a significant problem. Participants emphasized the need to raise social awareness on these issues and for individuals not to neglect basic protective measures. 

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

Prof. Dr. Güler Cimete: “Our aim is to increase awareness”

In her speech, Prof. Dr. Güler Cimete, Head of the Midwifery Department at Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, stated that due to the nature of the Midwifery department, there are courses on these subjects and knowledge is acquired. Cimete said; “On World AIDS Day, our goal is to increase awareness, especially regarding reproductive health, sexual health, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV/AIDS. We find it appropriate to combine World AIDS Day with other social issues and discuss them in this way. As we celebrate our day, we provide comprehensive information in our exhibition, using reproductive organs and verbal explanations, which constitute an important scope of sexual health education, thereby transferring knowledge on these subjects to their peers. In this field, by being aware ourselves and creating awareness in society, preventing gender discrimination, victims of violence becoming conscious about the issue, being able to protect themselves, perceiving that they are not alone and are with others, feeling strong, and most importantly, learning their rights, are all very valuable. For this, we will not only create awareness in society but also build a social force.”

Hilal Çeliker: “HIV/AIDS is not just a health problem, but a multifaceted issue” 

Hilal Çeliker stated that they gathered to develop awareness and solutions that would reach all segments of society; “HIV / AIDS is not just a health problem, but also a multifaceted issue socially, culturally, and economically. Gender inequality is one of the biggest obstacles in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Today, we are gathered here to develop awareness and solutions that will reach all segments of society. Our goal is to contribute to the construction of a society where everyone can receive equal healthcare services, and individuals living with HIV/AIDS are not stigmatized or excluded. Awareness and solidarity are the cornerstones of this struggle. Together, we can take stronger steps at both individual and societal levels. I hope this symposium will make a valuable contribution to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness.”

Attorney Eylül Evren: “I believe that acting together is very important”

Attorney Eylül Evren, who gave a speech on defending the rights of women and children, said; “Today, we are intensely dealing with reports of child abuse, especially in the last two months. I would also like to thank all participants on behalf of the Children and Women Association. The association was founded in 2018, and we provide voluntary legal assistance in cases of femicide and child abuse. We work together with education, health, and media professionals because most of these cases are noticed by these individuals. I believe 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. Protecting women and making them feel that they are not alone is very important. In cases of violence, the first step is to ensure safety and apply to the authorities. We can empower victims of violence with psychological support and legal aid. In addition, rational intervention is important against cases of violence we witness in the street.”

Ülkü Dikici: “Equality is not a right, but a necessity”

Ülkü Dikici, who presented on gender equality between women and men, stated; “Gender equality means women and men having equal rights and opportunities. The confusion of gender roles in society creates the misconception of seeing women as caregivers and men as powerful figures in the workforce. Women can work, and men can provide care. We demand our equal rights; we are not asking for 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’s access to health services is limited, and they are often portrayed in caregiver roles. The media shows women in domestic roles and men as strong leadership figures. Equality is not a right, but a necessity. Together, we must break stereotypes and take action for gender equality.”

Zeyneb Sude Karagüney: “Bystanders should also be sensitive to bullying and support victims”

Zeyneb Sude Karagüney, General Coordinator of Psikoform Academy, who presented on peer violence, stated; “Bullying is defined as a person or group consistently exhibiting negative behaviors towards other individuals because they are weaker. Olweus stated that peer bullying is intentional, continuous, and involves an imbalance of power. Bullying can be of various types such as verbal, physical, social, and cyber. At universities, peer bullying can also 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. Additionally, bystanders should also be sensitive to bullying and support victims.” 

Zehranur Çetin: “Peer support shows a healing effect on anxiety and depression”

Zehranur Çetin, who gave a presentation on peer support and its importance in a university environment, stated; “Peer support in a university environment refers to the assistance students experiencing psychological disorders or learning difficulties provide to each other. This support improves the mental health of both students receiving and providing support by offering social and practical assistance. Types of peer support include emotional, educational, social, and academic support. Being a peer supporter develops skills such as communication, empathy, and leadership. Peer support shows healing effects against problems like anxiety and depression, and it is important to spread this culture in schools and society.”

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

Nurşen Kanbur from the Turkish Family Health and Planning Foundation provided important information on sexually transmitted infections and safe sexuality. Kanbur stated; “Safety in sexual health means protecting oneself from unwanted pregnancies and infections, and leading a mentally and socially healthy sexual life without being subjected to violence and discrimination. I must state that young people are at risk for sexually transmitted infections, with one in eight young people having a risk of encountering these infections. These infections can be transmitted in three ways: sexual intercourse, blood transmission, and from mother to baby. Most infections do not show symptoms, so individuals who are sexually active need to get tested regularly. Since young people's bodies are still in the developmental stage, they are more sensitive to sexually transmitted infections during this period. Everyone needs to be more conscious about sexual health.”