Gender power imbalances in HIV/AIDS transmission:opportunities for creating an enabling environment

Abstract

Since the AIDS virus was discovered two decades ago, it has claimed over 18 million lives globally, over 50% (or 10 million) of these deaths have occurred in sub-Sahara Africa. Available data show that women are at a greater risk of HIV infection. This situation has been aggravated by the high poverty levels of the people that has led to lack of basic amenities like food, water, sanitation services and access to education and health services. The problems faced by women clearly indicate a degree of power disparities between women and men. This imbalance is in favour of men. This study reveals that women face socio-cultural, economic, political and legal obstacles, in addition to heightened biological vulnerability. These obstacles lead to differential HIV infection rates. Consequently, over 50% of HIV infected individuals are women. In Kenya, where poverty and unemployment levels are high, many women resort to commercial sex work as an alternative to economic survival. Unfortunately, these women (and most of other women) do not have the power to decide whether to use protective devices thus rendering them extremely vulnerable to infection. This study also explores in detail the non-biological factors that help to maintain the gender power imbalances. Various recommendations are made to help reduce these imbalances. Specifically, any programmes that address HIV/AIDS and gender differences in society should focus on a supportive and enabling environment, facilitating access to information and services, research, changing the way we think, sensitizing and mobilizing men, combating discrimination and developing gendersensitive care and support.