How Gender Inequality and Poverty has Increased Hiv/Aids Prevalence

This book argues that gender inequality and poverty in Zimbabwe are the major causes that have made more women in Zimbabwe have HIV/AIDS. This book found out that under gender inequality and poverty there were socio-cultural, economic and political factors that have made women in Zimbabwe more vulnerable and susceptible to HIV/AIDS. Under socio-cultural factors the following were analyzed, unequal relations between men and women, condom use, gender based violence, stigma and discrimination and the importance of having children. Economic factors have also contributed in making women more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, and these include prostitution, limited access to education and treatment for women and intergenerational sex. Zimbabwe s political situation has also worsened the pandemic, as bad governance has caused ODA to be reduced in the country and with the droughts and high inflation women who are victims of HIV/AIDS suffer the most. HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe can be reduced if both men and women work together to overcome this disease. This can be done by changing their behavior and reducing gender inequality.

Autorentext

Kwaedza Ennety Muranda obtained a MIS in Development Cooperation in 2008. She has worked for the government and then as a Lecturer at Zimbabwe Open University. She has strong interests in gender issues as they relate to development.