The impact of HIV/AIDS on women is varied and often compounded. Within the Greater Mekong Region the rate of HIV infection is rising among women more than men, in large part, due to a ‘culture of silence’ surrounding sex including poor access to sex education, weak efforts in the use of barrier methods and condom use, and poor access to effective health and prevention services. Equally there is a growing care burden experienced by women, especially elderly women, of other family members with AIDS which create multi-dimensional and multi-generational effects. In economic terms, women’s economic dependency increases their vulnerability because their lower economic and social status in many societies restrict their ability to discuss issues of infidelity, leave risky relationships, negotiate condom use, or to refuse sex. Women’s lack of employment opportunities, poor access to education, low economic status and prevailing norms and cultures render women much more vulnerable to HIV infection than males. The empowerment of women and providing all women with information, access to protective barrier methods, and access to resources are crucial in any initiatives to combat the spread of the HIV virus in the UNESCAP region. As a strong advocate on gender and HIV/AIDS issues in the region, UNESCAP has organized three events to highlight these emerging concerns – a Roundtable on Gender and HIV/AIDS in December 2002, a special side event panel at the Fifty-Ninth Commission on “Women, Men and HIV/AIDS: Responding to the Challenge” in September 2003, International Women’s Day celebrated on 8 March 2004 on the theme of “Women and HIV/AIDS”.