Organization: International Center for Research on Women
Contact: Geeta Rao Gupta
Abstract: HIV/AIDS crisis has been recognized as a sexually transmitted infection, and its gender dimensions are emerging rapidly.
In the early stages of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the disease was thought to be largely of concern to a narrow subgroup of primarily male homosexuals. As it has unfolded, however, the HIV/AIDS crisis has been recognized as a sexually transmitted infection, and its gender dimensions are emerging rapidly. In the United States, women now account for 20% of all people living with AIDS; globally, women account for more than 47% -- proportions that have been growing significantly in recent years. Women face special burdens and vulnerabilities in many societies as a result of their low social status. Accordingly, women may be unable to negotiate the terms of sexual relations and therefore be unable to protect themselves against HIV/AIDS infection. Similarly, discriminatory policies related to property ownership, inheritance and other basic legal protections make women economically and socially vulnerable to male AIDS illness and deaths. This is a compelling, new aspect of the HIV/AIDS crisis for readers to learn about.