The support group HIV Ireland has said that persistent HIV-related stigma will undermine progress in HIV prevention, testing and treatment.
Chief Executive Stephen O'Hare said there is a misconception that HIV is a men's issue.
He said that latest data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) shows that there was a 41% rise in first-time HIV diagnoses among women last year, compared with the previous year.
According to the HPSC, the majority of diagnoses last year were among people born outside of Ireland.
The sharpest rise has been seen in women aged 45-49 years, he said.
More women are being diagnosed each year, and the age trends show they are presenting later, he added.
HIV Ireland is also looking for expanded access to free and confidential HIV screening.
Mr O'Hare said the vast majority of people living here with HIV are on effective treatment, so they cannot pass it on to a sexual partner.
Today is World AIDS Day.
Over 40 landmark buildings and businesses around Ireland will be illuminated in red this evening, as part of HIV Ireland's annual Glow Red campaign, aimed at confronting HIV-related stigma.
Ireland has committed to the UNAIDS goal of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030.
