This report analyzes why and how HIV/AIDS is now disproportionately affecting women, as individuals and in their roles as mothers and care-givers. It also explores new gender sensitive approaches to fighting HIV/AIDS and suggests that in order to be effective, it is necessary to deal with the inequality that both drive and are entrenched in the epidemic. The report discusses the meaning of a rights-based approach and addresses the evolution of the epidemic. It concludes with an assessment of challenges in the AIDS response and recommendations for further action.