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AIDS thrives on chauvinism, says Dr No
Noloyiso Mtembu. The Star, August 11 2002. Reprinted courtesy of Independent Newspapers (Pty) Ltd.
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Poverty and gender inequality are the main factors that make women more vulnerable to HIV infection, according to Health Minister Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang.
Speaking at the Women In Partnership Against AIDS (WIPAA) conference at the weekend, she said cultural stereotyping inhibited women's abilities to negotiate safer sex.
The conference was aimed at creating a platform for women to share their experiences with AIDS and other social ills.
Women's weaker role meant they were also unable to counter sexual violence, which resulted in their being forced into unprotected sex, the minister said.
But, "like the women of 1956 who rose up against the oppressive laws of apartheid, future generations will remember you for the important role you are playing in the fight against HIV/AIDS", Tshabalala-Msimang said.
She said her department was issuing female condoms, and instructions on how to use them, to women, but "women still have to negotiate the use of these condoms with their partners in relationships that are mostly unfavourable for them to raise these issues".
Tshabalala-Msimang said the department was also focusing on research into the development of a gel-like substance that women could use to prevent sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, without having to negotiate contraception with their partners.
"Women are socially, culturally and economically more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS because they are the frontline in a united effort against this challenge," she said.
She added that the epidemic required women to be in partnership and share their stories and experiences.
"This is the greatest opportunity for us to rally together our strengths and capabilities in the common struggle."
The minister remarked that the unavailability of statistics on AIDS infection painted a false picture and gave the impression that only black women suffer from the disease.
"As we mark Women's Day, let us not forget that HIV/AIDS touches women from all walks of life," she said.
"We have a duty to lend a helping hand to those in need of care and support," Tshabalala-Msimang said.
She urged women not to be despondent when confronting HIV and AIDS because of a lack of financial and human resources, but to work together in realising there was hope.
"Don't be despondent. There is hope for us women and society as a whole," she said.
WIPAA is an initiative aimed at developing an action plan for the implementation of a strengthened response by women to HIV/AIDS. |
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