Every year, March 10 marks the National Women and Girls HIV and AIDS Awareness Day. This annual observance seeks to raise awareness of the impact of HIV and AIDS on women and girls, and to encourage them to take positive
Every year, March 10 marks the National Women and Girls HIV and AIDS Awareness Day. This annual observance seeks to raise awareness of the impact of HIV and AIDS on women and girls, and to encourage them to take positive action to prevent infection, get tested and seek access to proper treatment.
HIV does not discriminate; it can affect anyone, regardless of race, class, economic status or gender. So why is it necessary to focus specifically on women and girls?
To answer this question, we must look to the facts.
Women now comprise one-half of all HIV and AIDS cases worldwide and this figure is rising. In certain parts of the globe, the virus is almost predominantly found in women and particularly in young women. In Zambia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, over 75 percent of HIV positive young people ages 15 to 24 are female.
In South Asia, 62 percent of HIV positive young people are female. In India, the number of HIV positive young women is twice that of young men. In the Caribbean, young women are 2.4 times more likely to be HIV positive than young men. In the United States, AIDS is now one of the leading causes of death for women of color, and is the number one killer of African-American women ages 25 to 34. So clearly, the disproportionate impact of HIV and AIDS is not only a gender issue; it is also a racial justice issue.
There are several risk factors that account for the alarming disparities in HIV infection among women and men. The first factor is biology — the soft tissue in the female reproductive tract tears easily and is especially absorbent, making it highly susceptible to seminal fluid carrying the HIV virus.
Women’s biological vulnerability is compounded by the subordinate social status they have been assigned through traditional gender roles. Gender roles determine power relations, and in terms of sexual behavior this means that women are far more likely to be forced into sexual contact against their will. There is an undeniable connection between HIV and violence against women. While direct transmission of HIV can happen through rape and sexual assault, sexual abuse early in life can also lead to high-risk behavior later on.
Many times, women who have been sexually abused cry out for help by acting out (drug use, high-risk sexual activity), and by doing so they can repeatedly put themselves at risk.
Another risk factor for HIV infection is the presence of other sexually transmitted infections.
Women are more likely than men to have other untreated STIs, primarily because STIs in women are more often asymptomatic, but also because the shame or fear of visiting a doctor may prevent women from seeking screening and treatment.
National Women and Girls HIV and AIDS Awareness Day provides an opportunity for us to look at what is working for women and girls and what is not, in terms of HIV prevention and provision of care to those living with HIV.
For example, ABC (Abstinence, Be faithful, Condoms) prevention strategies do not take into account the particular needs of women and girls. Abstinence is not an option in situations where sexual violence occurs. Female monogamy is not helpful where men are unfaithful. Condom use is only possible where both partners are willing to protect themselves — many women are afraid or lack the confidence to insist on condom use, especially in abusive relationships. Therefore, prevention efforts must be more holistic where women and girls are concerned. The empowerment and the education of girls, young women, and women and the engagement of boys, young men and men on the issue of women’s rights all need to be factored into prevention efforts.
The burden on care provision for people living with HIV falls heavily on the shoulders of women worldwide. In South Africa, for example, caring for people living HIV and AIDS has eaten up 60 percent of the time women and girls normally spend gardening, thereby undermining the ability of poor households to grow food for consumption and sale. Globally, girls are much more likely than boys to be removed from school to provide health care or additional household help when AIDS affects a family. And while high rates of mortality due to AIDS leaves many women widowed, few countries allow unmarried women to inherit land. In these cases, customary law overrides international law that guarantees property and inheritance rights for women.
Women need more support from governments and NGOs to assist them in care-giving, and the burden of care must increasingly be shared among all community members, both male and female.
This March 10, we can all do something locally to respond positively to the impact of HIV and AIDS on women and girls worldwide.
Let’s talk about it. Stigma, discrimination and shame prevent us from addressing HIV, AIDS and violence against women. The more we can talk openly about these issues within our families and communities, the better we can take proactive, preventive action and seek effective solutions.
The YWCA of Kaua‘i, Malama Pono and Kaua‘i Hospice are currently producing the “Let’s Talk About It” campaign to break through the barriers of stigma and shame around these issues in our community.
Education and empowerment. There is an abundance of information and resources on HIV, AIDS and violence against women here on Kaua‘i that is at the disposal of the public. Knowledge can give us the power to keep HIV rates low on Kaua‘i. It can also help us to reach out to people in other parts of the world who may need our help and support. Call or visit Malama Pono and/or the YWCA of Kaua‘i for more information on HIV and AIDS and its impact on women and girls.
Get Tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Take control of your life. Know your status. Contact Malama Pono for more information.
Take the World YWCA Pledge of Action. This pledge, drafted by the folks at the World YWCA office, is something everyone can do. Visit www.worldywca.org and add your name to the list of over 2000 people who have pledged to do everything in their capacity to respond proactively to the global AIDS pandemic.
Leanne Baumung is coordinator of Kauai Youth Network, YWCA of Kauai. She can be reached at 245-9552 or by e-mail at leanne@ywcakauai.org. Contact YWCA of Kauai, 245-5959; YWCA 24-hour crisis lines, 245-4144, 245-6362; Malama Pono, 246-9577.
