Rationale: Module 1 is a discussion on ethnic and gender pride for African American women of all ages. Self-love is a key aspect of protecting oneself from being infected with or transmitting the HIV/AIDS virus. It is best accomplished by looking within and recognizing the enormous pride that exists in being both Black and female. Thus, this module gives participants the opportunity to embrace their ethnic and gender-related strengths, weaknesses, behaviors, and thoughts.

Rationale: In order for young women and girls to protect themselves from being infected with or transmitting HIV/STDs, they must first have a keen understanding of their bodies anatomically, an awareness of sexual needs/desires/behaviors and the modes of transmission of HIV/STDs. Module 2 provides basic information on their reproductive systems, sex, drugs, STD’s, and HIV. The session focuses on disseminating information on the modes of transmission, while addressing age old myths and misconceptions, while reinforcing ethnic pride.

Rationale:  This session addresses the difficulty of refusing pressures from partners to engage in unsafe sex practices. These difficulties often result from the young woman’s presumed lack of power/assertion during sexual encounters. For women to be assertive about safer sex intentions, they must possess the requisite communication and negotiation skills with which to initiate and negotiate these desires. In these sessions, women will learn the difference between assertive, non-assertive, and aggressive behavior. Additionally, the women will learn how to recognize partner pressure and practice dealing with it assertively. Finally, they will learn to weigh their options in safer sex practices.

Rationale: So far in the program, the women have been given the opportunity to absorb new knowledge and reinforce existing knowledge on HIV/STDs and the importance of practicing safer sex to protect them from getting infected. However, if they face an inability to reduce unsafe sexual behaviors such as unprotected sex, multiple partners, unsafe drug-use etc., even with the knowledge of their risk for HIV/AIDS, this may reflect difficulties in their own behavioral self-management. This session helps women exert behavioral control prior to their sexual encounters, to minimize their risk. It provides the women with an opportunity to learn how to use condoms properly. It gives them insight into the various condoms available on the market and shows them ways to eroticize condoms and develop more positive attitudes towards using them. Furthermore, by increasing women’s ease and comfort with introducing, choosing, and using condoms, the session hopes to re-emphasize and better their ability to assertively negotiate safer-sex behaviors.

Rationale:  This session on Coping Skills begins with a review of risk practices.  The session reviews assertiveness principles and self-management techniques that promote sexual safety.  The group learns methods of positive and negative coping through scenarios and personal experiences. Values are reiterated with respect to safer sex practices; self- worth and independence are emphasized to promote engagement in safer sex practices. Young women and girls learn about rape, domestic violence and abuse and local resources for those challenges. Life Road Mapping will allow the women to assess their values, priorities. The importance of seeking mentorship and being intentional about life decisions. Financial literacy will allow the participants to learn about how to save money and keeping their credit score in good standing.