HIV/AIDS, gender, agency and empowerment issues in Africa

Kalipeni, Ezekiel; Oppong, Joseph R.; Zerai, Assata

doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2006.10.010

Cited by 25 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…While respondents reported some women not wanting to use condoms, the extent to which this was out of free will need further research. As found in many other studies, socio-economic and gender factors inhibit many women from living in safe sexual relationships (Da Cruz, 2004;Kalipeni et al, 2007;UNFP, 2005). Also, as Kalipeni, Oppong and Zerau argue (2007), the success or failure of health programmes is affected largely by sociocultural factors.…”

Section: Discussion Of Findingsmentioning

confidence: 59%

“…This is a typical example of the much-proclaimed 'multi-stakeholder partnerships' required to counter the HIV epidemic. Poverty, gender inequality and economic dependence are all developmental problems that make individuals more susceptible to HIV infection (DPLG, 2007;Kalipeni et al, 2007). They can inhibit women from leaving unsafe relationships, delaying or limiting sexual activity at a young age, and negotiating condom use, and therefore require developmental solutions.…”

Section: Discussion Of Findingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Poverty, gender inequality and cultural practices have been identified as important barriers to correct and consistent condom usage by several studies (e.g. Da Cruz, 2004;Kalipeni, Oppong & Zerai, 2007;Shisana et al, 2005; UNAIDS/UNFPA, 2004). The role of gender inequality was also emphasised by the former South African Deputy-Minister of Health, Mrs Madlala-Routledge, when she stated that the ' Action against HIV and AIDS that does not confront gender inequality is doomed to failure' (South African Government Information, 2004, p. 1).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Condom use as part of the wider HIV prevention strategy: Experiences from communities in the North West Province, South Africa

Versteeg

Murray

2008

SAHARA-J: Journal of Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS

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Correct and consistent condom usage remains a pivotal strategy in reaching the target set by the South African government to reduce new HIV infections by 50% in the next 5 years. Studies have found that there has been an increase in condom usage by some categories of the population, but usage has not yet reached the desired levels in order to meet the target. This article reports on the findings of a study on condom usage in eight communities in the North West Province, which was part of a wider HIV and AIDS programme evaluation commissioned by the North West Provincial Department of Health. The main aim was to assess accessibility to condoms, and knowledge, attitudes and practices around condom use by four sampled communities in the North West Province. Eight focus group discussions were held and 50 households were interviewed.The study found positive results regarding accessibility and awareness of condoms. However, this often did not lead to the desired behavioural change of using condoms in risky sexual interactions. The majority of respondents still resisted condom usage, used condoms inconsistently, or were not in a position to negotiate protected sexual intercourse. The main reasons reported for this were: reduced pleasure, perceived and real physical side-effects, myths, lack of information, status, financial reasons, distrust in the efficacy of condoms, family planning, cultural reasons, gender-related reasons and trust. Many of the barriers to consistent condom use cannot be overcome by strategies that target the individual. Interventions need to address underlying developmental factors such as the non-biological factors that increase the susceptibility of women to HIV infection. As this falls outside of the scope of the mandate of the Department of Health, various partnerships with other key role players need to be established and/or strengthened, such as with local government, non-governmental organisations and faith-based organisations. Keywords: HIV and AIDS, condoms, behavioural change, South Africa, development. RésuméLe bon et consistant usage du préservatif reste une stratégie pivot en vue d' étendre l' objectif du gouvernement sud-africain de réduire les nouvelles infections par le VIH de 50% dans les 5 ans à venir. Les études ont montré qu'il y a eu une augmentation de l'usage de préservatifs parmi certaines catégories de la population. En revanche, cet usage n'a pas encore éteint le niveau désiré afin de satisfaire l' objectif prévu. Cet article présente les résultats d'une étude sur l'usage du préservatif dans huit communautés de la Province du Nord-Ouest. Cette étude a fait partie d'un programme étendu d' évaluation du VIH/SIDA commandé par le Département provincial de Santé du Nord-Ouest. Le but fut d' évaluer l'accessibilité des préservatifs et la connaissance, les attitudes et les coutumes entourant l'usage du préservatif auprès de quatre communautés échantillons dans cette Province. Au total, huit discussions de groupes de foyer ont eu lieu et 50 foyers ont été interviewés.L' é...

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Section: Discussion Of Findingsmentioning

confidence: 59%

Section: Discussion Of Findingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Condom use as part of the wider HIV prevention strategy: Experiences from communities in the North West Province, South Africa

Versteeg

Murray

2008

SAHARA-J: Journal of Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS

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“…Yet there is scope for improvement in current approaches to prevention given the complex nature of the problem, "[T]he social, cultural, economic, political, ethnic, gender and environmental factors are just as important as the biological factors when attempting to find solutions or devise strategies to combat disease." (Kalipeni et al 2007(Kalipeni et al , 1015. The ability to 'use' state and/or NGO provided knowledge regarding sexual health is of course refracted through the complex socio-cultural environment and emergent social relations that young people are located within that in turn constitute their subjectivities and positionalities.…”

Section: Contextualising the Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Creating a space for young women's voices: using ‘participatory video drama’ in Uganda

Waite

Conn

2011

Gender, Place & Culture

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“…Yet more work is required, particularly in HIV prevention strategies that take into account gender empowerment (Boesten & Poku, 2009). There are well-documented reasons for young women's vulnerability in relation to HIV, including living in an environment of poverty, alongside a legacy of cultural norms which perpetuate male power and female subservience (Bruce & Hallman, 2008;Kalipeni, Oppong, & Zerai, 2007;Mabala, 2006).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Young African women must have empowering and receptive social environments for HIV prevention

Conn

2012

AIDS Care

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This paper describes a study which explored the lives of young Ugandan women through their voices, and related the findings to HIV prevention paradigms. The research was conducted in the context of the continuing vulnerability of young Ugandan women to HIV; reflected in disproportionately high prevalence compared to young men. The participants of the study were 15 young women aged 15-19 years, from Busoga Region in Eastern Uganda. Given the focus on young women's voices within norms of gender inequality, a narrative methodology was used as a safe space for participants to speak about their lives, expanding on research experiences with young people. The methods used included drawing; written stories and drama; aspirational writing and diary keeping. Forty-eight narratives, in image and word form, represented everyday experiences in young women's lives, as well as difficult experiences of inequality and resistance. Young women portrayed considerable social barriers to empowerment, and a challenging environment of poverty and educational limitations. Young women's representations were analysed using a gender empowerment and positive sexuality framework. The resulting analysis was then critically applied to HIV prevention paradigms. Evidence from the study showed that prevailing HIV prevention paradigms reinforce the difficulties faced by young women in their sexual lives. This research adds to calls for alternative and wider approaches to HIV prevention, underpinned by gender empowerment. Alternative approaches need to build young African women's voices in the spaces of homes, schools and communities. It is vital, however, that such efforts are embedded in more radical change leading to social environments receptive to the needs of young women.

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HIV/AIDS, gender, agency and empowerment issues in Africa

Cited by 25 publications

References 16 publications

Condom use as part of the wider HIV prevention strategy: Experiences from communities in the North West Province, South Africa

Condom use as part of the wider HIV prevention strategy: Experiences from communities in the North West Province, South Africa

Creating a space for young women's voices: using ‘participatory video drama’ in Uganda

Young African women must have empowering and receptive social environments for HIV prevention

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