Understanding safe sex: gender narratives of HIV and pregnancy prevention by rural South African school-going youth

Condoms Become the Norm in the Sexual Culture of College Students in Durban, South Africa

“…1 Yet most studies in South Africa report that young people are aware of condoms, especially their value in preventing HIV infection. [8][9][10] A 1999 study among young people in a township in South Africa found that young women in particular encountered social pressure against carrying condoms. They felt their reputations were tainted by gossip; male participants confirmed that they did not trust women who carried condoms.…”

Ten Years of Democracy in South Africa

“…The introduction of free health care for pregnant women in 1994 improved women's access (24): [70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84][85] to appropriate care during pregnancy. The designation of maternal death as a notif iable condition in 1997 and the appointment of a National Committee for Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths have enabled the quantification of maternal mortality and provided a mechanism for continued surveillance.…”

“…Access is further hindered by providers asserting conscientious objection. In spite of the legal obligation to refer to a willing provider, many providers try to discourage [70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84][85] women from having an abortion, presenting a fundamental barrier to care. 37 Values clarification workshops designed to promote more tolerant attitudes by service providers have taken place, 35 and services are currently delivered in some places by roving teams of health service providers to increase access for women in settings where the providers are unwilling to provide the service.…”

“…At community level, stigmatisation of HIVinfected individuals has discouraged testing and [70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84][85] disclosure. 79 Encouragingly, non-governmental organisations providing community-based support and care have been instrumental in encouraging testing and disclosure, leading to decreases in stigma in some communities.…”

“…79 Encouragingly, non-governmental organisations providing community-based support and care have been instrumental in encouraging testing and disclosure, leading to decreases in stigma in some communities. 80 Cultural and social beliefs around HIV and STI transmission, gender inequality, 81,82 and resistance to condom use 31,53 have limited prevention efforts. The ABC (abstain, be faithful or use condoms) approach, and the government's emphasis on ''safe and healthy sexual behaviours'' 83 assume that individuals have the power to implement self-protective behaviours.…”