Men need to take on a greater role in caring for people living with HIV, said U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Asha–Rose Migiro as reported by PlusNews. At the 53rd session of the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women, Migiro said that if men helped out more in HIV care-giving and other domestic tasks, they would have a greater role in the lives of their families.

“We must address the significant responsibilities faced by women and girls during home-based care in the context of HIV and AIDS and find ways to strengthen the role of men,” Migiro said. “We must also develop innovative ways to eliminate gender stereotypes about the roles of women and men beginning at an early age in homes, schools and communities and engaging leaders in all walks of life.”

According to the article, she added that laws to promote equal responsibility should include closing the gap in pay, increasing flexibility in working arrangements and instituting better leave provisions for both women and men.