As the world enters the third decade of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, women - especially the young and the poor - are increasingly affected. Because gender inequity fuels HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS fuels gender inequity, it is imperative that women and girls speak out, set priorities for action, and lead the global response to the crisis.

ATHENA was created to realize this imperative. The network builds upon the work of individuals and entities who have been committed to this challenge for years, and intends to use coordinated, collective action to advance their efforts further.