History

Share-Net, a Dutch members’ association and network on sexual reproductive health and Aids was founded by its members early 2001. It originates from an earlier smaller network called the Aids Co-ordination Group (ACG) coordinated by the then existing Aids Co-ordination Bureau (ACB), initiated by KIT, DGIS, Cordaid, Aids Fonds, Hivos, which had been active since the mid-1980ies. During these years, the need was felt to expand the Group’s scope and constituency to include sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) issues and extend membership to include related organisations. This happened after a process of preparation and consultation of a large group of Dutch civil society organizations and experts. Their interest derived from their collaboration during the 1999 Cairo+5 review process (in relation to the International Conference on Population and Development held in Cairo in 1994).

The members realised that problem analysis regarding Sexual Reproductive Health and Aids and HIV/AIDS issues, point to various common root causes (such as gender relations and the way sexuality is addressed, the lack of access to information and services, stigma and discrimination, poverty) as well as shared solutions (such as promoting the empowerment of women and young people, extension of improved health services, educational facilities and advocacy). The members were also aware of the fact that the Dutch Government plays an important role in the international field of HIV/AIDS and SRHR, through financial, programmatic as well as technical support. Increased synergy of implementing partners could lead to a more effective use of available expertise. Share-Net thus decided to provide the platform through which organisations and individual experts involved in this field are enabled to strengthen their individual and joint capacities.