PIP: We know that great inequalities and injustices adversely affect the length and quality of women's lives, especially in light of the HIV epidemic, yet, we still acquiesce to them. Talking and listening to women motivate us to question why we stress the information and education strategy about HIV, AIDS, and sexually transmitted diseases which does not acknowledge their reality; more women than men are becoming infected with HIV; and why women bear the burden of care. Further, we must no longer condone women not seeking treatment because family or culture prohibits them from seeking help at health clinics, because the treatment is often impersonal, immodest, or threatening, and because it is financially and physically inaccessible. We must deal with how societies and communities value women; how we rear children; and the expectations we have about the behavior of our children, spouses, and parents. Women's dependency is a key factor placing then at risk of HIV. To expect women to bear the all the burdens of HIV/AIDS only reinforces the certainty of failure. The nature of HIV transmission calls for both men and women to respond equally to the epidemic. New patterns of communication and of sharing current responsibilities (including the burdens of sadness, pain, care, and support brought about by HIV/AIDS) and joys of women's lives can stem the tide and form the basis for men's love for their partners, children, and families. The family is the key for social change. Specifically, it must love and nurture boys and girls so they become independent, confident adults, able to form respectful and nonviolent relationships, regardless of sexual orientation. Parents and children must talk openly about sexuality and the care of their bodies, ideally supported by community norms and moral values. Gender paradigms should stress compassion, concern for others, and love of family in men, and for women, recognition of their value and worth.