2. HIV/AIDS and Gender: South African Women and the Spread of Infection.

3. Statistics In 2007, 46.3% of people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide (15.4 million)were women In South Africa,74% of young people aged15-24 living with HIV are female

4. Vulnerability economic dependence on men Men diminish a woman’s ability to negotiate safe sexual practices. unable to insist on condom use to protect themselves against the risk of HIV transmission by a male partner

5. No economic resources and their ability to protect themselves from HIV infection and against violence. Women have to remain discrete about other relationships for fear of violence and “punishment” if these other relationships are discovered. face additional and more acute discrimination when identified as being HIV positive they are branded as the “spreaders” of the virus.

6. Rape The high HIV prevalence and high levels of sexual violence in South Africa, women are at risk of contracting this virus as a consequence of rape. likelihood of transmission during an incident of rape can be exacerbated by a number of factors. perpetrators rarely use a condom, the “high rate of multiple perpetrator” rapes, the frequency of sexual assaults and the presence of sexually transmitted infections. victim may also receive wounds in the genital area and associated bleeding which can further increase chances of transmission of the virus

7. Abuse/Fear oppression in their relationships with male partners, families, and the wider community as a result of their low social status in conjunction testing positive for HIV gender inequality were associated with a range of consequences, including failure to complete their education, violations of their sexual and reproductive rights, and imposed barriers to HIV-related health services and treatment Face abuse from their partners when attempting to have access to health services for HIV-related treatment and care Woman’s fear of the possible reaction by her partner or family members that impacted her decision to seek intervention or life saving treatment. Hide medication in their homes because they fear that their HIV status may be revealed to members of their household

8. Pictures

9. Overcoming a challenge… Prevention, treatment, research. Public investment Involvement of west Africa's government. Getting knowledgeable & tested Shelters Educate young men about sexual violence More involvement by developed countries. ensuring the success efforts of AIDS relief programs.