LAUSR

Background Women living with HIV 50+years and older are facing, stigma while disclosing their status to their family friends, community, and partners. Women living with HIV are empowering and educating each other. Women face different issues (stress, depression, isolation, trauma or mental health issues). Disclosure of HIV status present challenges, there is need to support around women how to disclose and when. Women also are at higher risk of being criminalized by law for no-disclosure. Methods We created social group in safe places for women living with HIV to come together to learn from each other regarding the issues they face. Women can speak about relationship, medications, health issues, and accessing services and program. Build each other’s capacity skills. They gain a sense of connection through cooking, sewing, knitting. Peers who run the group are trained. The sessions were conducted in different sessions in the event. We administered pre- and post-session questionnaire to determine the effectiveness of the sessions. Demographic of those attending the group 87% identify as female, 13% identify as transwomen. Age 45–50+ 28%, 50+ 72% attended group session. Results (50) women attended this group sessions and received information and connected with other women living with HIV. 10 women reported that they have come out of isolation and are now support and mentoring other women in their communities. 5 women have been engaged in advocacy at the community and represent women in various working groups and committees. Conclusion We are confident that social groups for women living with HIV help women to seek services, remain in care, reduce isolation and promote adherence. Meaningful involvement is more that inviting women at decision making tables but also addressing barriers that hinder women from engaging, addressing stigma, and other personal barriers that women might have. Disclosure No significant relationships.