This guidance note is intended to guide countries on how to include a gender perspective and promote equality and human rights for women and girls in their national HIV responses, drawing upon the latest technical developments, guidelines and investment approaches. The inclusion of a gender perspective for women and girls into national HIV responses is important because they continue to be profoundly affected by HIV. As such, addressing their needs is a prerequisite to effectively responding to the epidemic. This brief, which seeks to support a gender-responsive HIV response, is a first step towards the application of key tools and resources that help integrate gender considerations into concept notes, proposals, and national strategic plans. This guidance note was prepared by UNAIDS Secretariat in coordination with UN Women. It provides simple, concise and practical guidance on gender responsive programming for strengthening of national HIV response. References and links to full guidance are provided in the last section of this guidance note.