Black Women and HIV: Empowerment through Engagement, Education, and Enrichment
Racism, poverty and lack of access to quality care significantly impact Black women’s health.
Higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), lower rates of testing and higher rates of stigma continue to make Black women vulnerable to poorer health outcomes, including acquisition of HIV or STIs. As a traditionally marginalized group, and for many multi-layered reasons, educational and engagement opportunities and health data for and by Black women is limited.
HealthHIV, a premier national HIV nonprofit organization, and Howard University, a champion of Black women, are collaborating to conduct research, provide education, spark community engagement, and embrace the arts to create a path to empowerment. Our innovative project will improve the availability of data and develop creative health and wellbeing programming.
Visit the Howard University website for more information on the initiative.
Upcoming Events
View Calendar-
Faith and Sexuality: Shaping Conversations Supporting Sexual Health
JULY 20, 2026 @ 12PM EDT — This webinar explores the intersection of faith, sexual health, relationships, and wellness through a culturally responsive lens. Participants will hear from public health and sexual health professionals and engage in a meaningful discussion about HIV prevention, reproductive health, healthy relationships, and the influence of faith communities on health and well-being. By centering the experiences of Black women, this session aims to promote empowerment, reduce stigma, and encourage open, judgment-free conversations that support holistic wellness.
Latest Webinars
Browse Empower Webinars-
Faith and Sexuality: Shaping Conversations Supporting Sexual Health
JULY 20, 2026 @ 12PM EDT — This webinar explores the intersection of faith, sexual health, relationships, and wellness through a culturally responsive lens. Participants will hear from public health and sexual health professionals and engage in a meaningful discussion about HIV prevention, reproductive health, healthy relationships, and the influence of faith communities on health and well-being. By centering the experiences of Black women, this session aims to promote empowerment, reduce stigma, and encourage open, judgment-free conversations that support holistic wellness.
-
LoveHER: Exploring Intimacy, Confidence & Connections
LoveHER, a live, virtual event, with Howard University’s Empower Peer Educators, was designed to advance sexual health awareness, promote body positivity, and address the unique experiences of Black women in contemporary cultural contexts. The 90-minute session engaged participants in evidence-informed discussions and interactive activities, fostering both knowledge acquisition and personal empowerment.
HIV Prevention Resources for Black Women to Thrive
From September 2024 through October 2024, a community survey was conducted among self-identified Black/African American females to identify gaps in healthcare access, usability, and confidence in care.
As a direct response to the insights gathered from the survey, we developed a comprehensive resource guide designed to bridge the gaps in healthcare access for Black women. This guide serves as a vital tool, equipping individuals with the knowledge and support needed to navigate medical systems with confidence.
Download the Resource GuideEmpowHERed Experiences
EmpowHERed Experiences is a powerful four-part storytelling video series that centers real stories from Black women as they take charge of their health journeys.
View All Episodes-
EmpowHERed Sexual Health: Why Routine HIV Testing Matters
Episode 1 of 4. A woman whose life was positively transformed by making routine HIV testing part of her regular care. Through her journey, she shares how consistent testing gave her peace of mind, strengthened her confidence, and empowered her to take control of her sexual wellness. Her story challenges stigma and reframes testing as an act of self-care and prevention.
-
PrEP = EmpowHERed Prevention
Episode 2 of 4. In this powerful story, Ashley shares how PrEP helped her take control of her health, reduce her HIV risk, and live with greater confidence. Her journey highlights the importance of informed decision-making and prioritizing self-care as part of a comprehensive prevention strategy.
Wellness Chronicles
The “Wellness Chronicles” series features short videos with leading public health experts on all things HIV, STIs, and sexual health focusing on Black women and girls, and aims to empower viewers with knowledge for maintaining optimal health and well-being.
View All Episodes-
Wellness Chronicles 14 — Clicks vs. Care: Finding Truth in HIV Prevention
This episode emphasizes the importance of consulting healthcare professionals and using accurate, reputable resources for HIV prevention and diagnosis—instead of relying on random or unreliable information found online.
-
Wellness Chronicles 13 — The Link Between Self-Esteem, Empowered Sexuality, and Loving Yourself First
This episode explores the link between self-esteem and unsafe behaviors, delving into the psychological and social factors that influence our choices. By examining how low self-worth can increase vulnerability to HIV, we offer insights on building confidence, setting boundaries, and making empowered, healthy decisions that support HIV prevention and overall well-being choices.
Unshakable Strength: Empowering Black Women
The Girlfriends Podcast is a podcast dedicated to addressing the unshakable strength shown, and the unique health challenges faced by, Black women and girls, particularly in the context of HIV prevention.
View All Episodes-
Owning the Narrative: Black Women, Sex Work & HIV Prevention
Sex work is work—but for Black women, it’s also layered with stigma, safety concerns, and systemic barriers. This episode dives into the lived realities of Black women in the industry, from navigating agency and empowerment to confronting criminalization, healthcare discrimination, and HIV risk. We explore how access to prevention tools like PrEP, regular testing, and supportive care can make a difference. It’s time to move beyond judgment and listen to the real stories, struggles, and victories of those who live it.
-
Sacred & Sensual: Exploring Faith, Sexuality, and Empowerment for Black Women
In this candid and empowering conversation, we explore the rich and often complex intersection of faith, sexuality, and Black womanhood. From navigating desire and spiritual values to confronting cultural expectations and dismantling shame, this episode creates space for honest reflection and healing. We also shine a light on how HIV awareness and prevention play a vital role in this dialogue challenging stigma, centering pleasure, and affirming that Black women can honor both their faith and their sexual health without compromise.
Receive Empower Updates
Black Women and HIV: Empowerment through Engagement, Education and Enrichment (Empower), a Gilead P.A.C.E. Project, focuses on HIV and STI prevention and care for Black women.
Join us for webinars, podcasts, blogs, arts opportunities, groups, mentoring, and more throughout the coming months.
Join Us
