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

Abstract

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.

Vulnerable Youth as Prosumers in HIV Prevention: Studies Using Participatory Action Research

“…In this study, 15 young women of Busoga, aged between 15 and 19 years, used narrative tools—drawing, drama, and written stories—to depict their life experiences and views in relation to the challenges of HIV [ 21 ]. Straight Talk Foundation, a prominent Uganda HIV communication nongovernmental organization (NGO), initiated the research, as they were concerned about the voicelessness of young women in the space of programs, schools, and communities.…”

Perceptions of Stigma and Discrimination in Health Care Settings Towards Sub-Saharan African Migrant Women Living With Hiv/Aids in Belgium: A Qualitative Study

“…People living with HIV bear the burden of keeping their illness. Fear of stigma is the main reason for non-disclosure of HIV-positive status to non-HIV health care providers, though HIV infection and AIDS are preventable illnesses (Bertozzi et al, 2006;DeMarco et al, 2009;De Cock et al, 2011;Conn, 2013).…”

Strengthening participation by young women sex workers in HIV programs: reflections on a study from Bangkok, Thailand

“…Participants expressed positive views about participating but were especially concerned about the need for safety and anonymity in relation to programs. Current participation theory, research, and practice, including that of the authors, 5 , 26 suggest that participation in HIV initiatives needs to position young women sex workers as experts, codecision makers, and leaders, as well as peer educators. There is a need for more formal, statutory opportunities for young women to be meaningfully represented on decision-making bodies and panels.…”

“…Creating a safe space for such groups to have a say is no easy task and highlights the need for change in the social environment that delivers the conditions for marginalization. 26 , 27 …”