Yara Aquino
Reporter Agência Brasil

Brasília - A Un report says that support from men is fundamental if there is to be gender equality. The latest UN Population Fund report points out that male behavior is an important factor in controlling AIDS/HIV, as well as improving healthcare for women in gestation. The report also says that violence against women is a consequence of gender inequality.

The Population Fund representative in Brazil, Tania Patriota, says that an effort is being made in the country to make men "partners" in reducing gender inequalities. "There is a lot of effort by various organizations to make men aware of the need for changes in male stereotypes which would result in reduced violence, aggression and dominance, and more dialogue and negotiation in the areas of health, like AIDS, and violence," she declared.

The 2005 UN Population Fund report points out that gender equality and women autonomy are objectives in the Millennium Goals program, emphasizing that they are seen as elements in the effort to reduce world poverty.

Translator: Allen Bennett