The exposure of women to HIV/AIDS: Societal explanations
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Date
2007-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The gender dimension of HIV/AIDS reveals that, owing to the social, cultural and
economic reasons women comprise an increasing proportion of people living with HIV/AIDS
worldwide. In reducing the exposure of women as well as decreasing the overall prevalence
rate of HIV/AIDS, addressing gender factors are core issues to be critically considered. The
general objective of this study rests on looking at how the societal construction of femininity
influences the vulnerability of women to HIV/AIDS in Bahirdar town. This study used indepth
interview and focus group discussion methods as major primary data collection
techniques. Purposive sampling technique is employed to select sample organizations and
thereby 31 respondents. The finding of this study reveals that the societal values attached to
femininity have great influence on the sexual behavior of women and their access to
information and services on HIV/AIDS, increasing their exposure rate to HIV infection. Based
on the finding of the study possible intervention areas, like design conducive environment
towards the empowerment of women and gendered approach to HIV/AIDS, are also
forwarded
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Social Work