THE EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN - A KEY TO HIV PREVENTION

We discuss the process underlying the success of an HIV-prevention pro ject for young, inner-city women. The intervention was based on the co ncepts of empowerment and culturally sensitive skill building. Four cr itical points relevant to the translation of HIV prevention knowledge into behavioral change among the sample are examined: (1) integrating the important issues of the participants' lives into the HIV preventio n program, (2) utilizing a group format to encourage cohesiveness and support, (3) engaging group facilitators to promote mutuality and equa lity, and (4) promoting ongoing, authentic relationships among the par ticipants and staff members. Points are illustrated with vignettes rec onstructed from the group facilitators' experiences with the participa nts.