Feminist Looking Glass

According to UN program on HIV/Aids (UNAids), the immunodeficiency disease is now the leading cause of death among women of a reproductive age.

Violence against women is the leading cause of the spread of this disease in women, with an estimated 70% of women “forced to engage in unprotected sex.” Translation: rape and sexual assault are largely responsible for the continued spread of HIV. As UNAids Executive Director Michael Sidibe reports, women who experience violence are much less able to negotiate safe-sex practices.

Although women are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, there is still little attention given to addressing the specific needs of women and girls. The UN is now working on a five-year plan to do just that.

Reproductive needs and childbirth are also a growing concern. As Sidibe says:

“…400,000 babies are born every year in Africa – 400,000 babies with HIV/AIDS…it means that 400,000 women, mothers, have not been checked, have not been having access to services, have not been able to at least avoid transmission from mother to child. But also they will be at risk to not live with us for years to come.”

The new UNAids initiative will target women, helping disseminate information, education, preventive care, and “negotiating techniques.” But until communities of men become less likely to commit acts of violence against women in such high numbers, the bleak picture for women is unlikely to change.

Filed under: Health, Sex, Violence Tagged: | aids, Health, hiv, Rape, Sex, United Nations, violence against women, women's health