The forum was held by the Vietnam Students Association and the Vietnam Women’s Union.

Participants at the forum highlighted the fact that HIV/AIDS is still spreading alarmingly and there has been an increase of HIV infection among young people and women. Meanwhile, women are considered an important force in the fight against the disease because they are often better at disseminating knowledge and information about HIV/AIDS more effectively.

A representative from a college based in Hanoi said that social prejudice against Vietnamese female students causes their parents to discourage them from becoming involved in anti HIV/AIDS activities.

Most female students at the forum said there should be policies for assisting and praising female students involved in HIV/AIDS and anti-discrimination awareness campaigns.