IAC Day 3—More from Tapiwa
Tapiwanashe Kujinga
CEPA Partner, PATAM
The dilemma that faces the conference-goer at IAC is which session to attend given the vast choices that are offered. At times, there are 3 interesting sessions running simultaneously and another two events being conducted in the Global Village, and the temptation to clone oneself is very real.
A little bit about the place. Vienna is a historical city and was the seat of the Austrian Empire ruled by the Habsburg monarchy in the 19th century. The empire was a successor to the Holy Roman Empire (that was once described as being neither holy nor Roman nor an empire). This city hums with typical Viennese efficiency, the trains and trams run on time, the subways and streets are clean and there are cultural events everywhere. Thus far, the conference has run without a hitch. One resident was unaware of the International AIDS Conference, and it is amazing that 20,000 people can descend on a city with nary a notice from the locals.
The conference itself is being held at the Reed Messe Wien Conference centre, a huge complex near the Messe Prater subway station. It has lots of meeting rooms, both large and small, and there are lots of restaurants and ample sitting space. Whilst we still have to take long walks to get from one session room to another, the venue is a far cry from Toronto where delegates toiled from the North Tower to the South Tower and back, leaving many gasping for breath.
The demonstrations by activists continue. The EU stand was taken over by protesters angry with the seizure of generic drugs by the bloc. I also saw another demonstration calling for the decriminilisation of sex work. In my country (Zimbabwe), if this type of protest is not stopped by the Police, the protesters are assured of a lynching by the public. Such events are always makes one think of the differences in attitudes and opinions amongst populations.
In the main hallway is this siren clad in a micro-skirt surrounded by condoms of all types, colours and flavours (I heard her mention 'mint'). She is always at her post of duty, demonstrating the use of female condoms using props and answering questions from the passing delegates. Of course, the stand has become vastly popular with its endless supply of T-shirts with the word 'CONDOMISE' boldly printed at he back, as well as its ample supply of condoms, including those of the exotic type. Almost everytime there are delegates shoving huge handfuls of condoms into their bags, and I have a sneaking suspicion that extra-conference activities are seriously competing with the serious business of the event.
Today is another full day, the plenary starts in an hour's time. After that comes the agonising choices of sessions.