HIV, gender and human rights Input E ARASA HIV/AIDS and human rights training manual

HIV statistics UNAIDS Epidemic Update 2006: – 37.2 million adults living with HIV in 2006 – 17.7 million are women (47.5%) – 63% of all people with HIV live in Sub Saharan Africa – 32 % of all people with HIV live in Southern Africa – Only region where more women than men (approximately 52%) are infected

Local data

Why are women more at risk? Biological: – The mucosal surfaces in women’s genital tract are greater than those of men – so a greater possibility of infection due to injuries, tears during sex – Younger women particularly vulnerable due to immaturity of the genital tract

Risk factors 2 Social: – Difficulties in initiating discussions about sex and accessing accurate information about sex, HIV transmission – Difficulties associated with negotiating safer sex, and condom usage – Gender based violence, including rape, domestic violence – Harmful traditional sex practices

Risk factors 3 Economic: – Women are less likely to be employed – If they are employed, they are more likely to earn less than men – Less access to credit – Less ability to influence decisions in the household concerning how income is spent

He has HIV/She has HIV: what the exercise shows Human rights Right to access information Right to dignity Manifestations of abuse No information on: – Termination of pregnancy – Mother to child HIV transmission Abusive language

The gender dimensions contin. Right to equality Right to property Unequal treatment by family and community Loss of property on disclosure of HIV status

Conclusion HIV/AIDS is inextricably bound to gender inequality Protection of women’s human rights is key to reducing their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and to mitigating the impact of the epidemic on them