Report from the National Positive Women's Portfolio presented to the NAPWA Special General Meeting held 29-30 April 2006.

National Women’s Meeting

The National Women’s Meeting was held in Adelaide, on November 17 2005. It was attended by about 50 women, from across Australia as well as East Timor and Papua New Guinea. A quilt was made, and will be available for viewing on the NAPWA website.

Teleconferences

Teleconferences of the Women’s Network were held in December, February, and April. In addition, separate consultations were held to solicit input into the updated women’s treatments resource, Treat Yourself Right, currently being revised by Bridget Haire for the AFAO/NAPWA Education Team.

Antenatal Testing

In consultation with the Women’s Network, NAPWA continues to work to ensure that the national HIV testing policy, currently under revision, accurately reflects the views of HIV positive women, in relation to antenatal screening. A draft Policy will be available for discussion in June.

Women’s email network

NAPWA has launched a national email discussion list, for HIV positive women, which now has about thirty members. The list is moderated by Gabe McCarthy. This list is open to all Australian women living with HIV, to discuss and share information about living as an HIV positive woman.

Positive women can join by "following the links":/?q=node/476 and processes on the NAPWA website.

Childcare policy

The Women’s Network is considering establishing a Childcare Policy, which can be adopted by NAPWA member organisations.

Membership

The Women’s Network is in the process of developing and finalizing a new Terms of Reference, including a membership policy. This should be complete by June.