2025, July Edition |www.jbino.com | Innovative Association Publication J.Bio.Innov14(4), pp:718-726,2025 |ISSN 2277-8330 (Electronic) Obeagu., https://doi.org/10.46344/JBINO.2025.v14i04.06 EMPOWERING WOMEN AND GIRLS: GENDER-SENSITIVE STRATEGIES FOR HIV PREVENTION IN AFRICA Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu Department of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, Africa University, Zimbabwe. Email : emmanuelobeagu@yahoo.com ABSTRACT The HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa continues to disproportionately affect women and girls, who face unique biological, socio-economic, and cultural vulnerabilities that increase their risk of infection. Gender inequalities, including limited access to education, economic dependence, and gender-based violence, contribute significantly to the persistent rise of HIV cases among this population. Addressing these structural drivers is essential to creating effective and sustainable HIV prevention strategies. Gender-sensitive approaches are increasingly recognized as key to combating the epidemic among women and girls. These strategies include comprehensive sexuality education, economic empowerment initiatives, legal reforms to protect women's rights, and community-based interventions that challenge harmful gender norms. The active engagement of men and boys, coupled with multi- sectoral collaboration, enhances the success of these interventions by promoting shared responsibility and fostering an environment conducive to behavior change. Keywords: Gender empowerment, HIV prevention, Sub-Saharan Africa, Women's health, Gender-sensitive strategies