For women and adolescent girls, the consequence of AIDS can be particularly dire. There is strong evidence, for example, that in some countries women may be "blamed" for HIV disease even in circumstances where they have been infected by remaining faithful to their husband or other male partner. There is also evidence to suggest that women are less likely to receive the kind of care and support made available to male household members. Moreover, where the male head of household has died there may be loss of social support for young women, ostracization from the community, and lack of legal protection to inherit land and property. Some young women may find themselves unwelcome in the extended family and may even be coerced into sex work. The report discusses these issues and outlines some programme implications and recommendations.