Women and AIDS in Africa: sociocultural dimensions of the HIV/AIDS epidemic

Abstract

Africa the worst affected continent by the AIDS pandemic is composed of nations whose traditional patterns of behavior have been adulterated by practices and lifestyles introduced by the colonizing powers. Sociocultural practices can explain a number of problems specific to women which may promote behavior conducive to the spread of HIV. These problems are related to movements of individuals or groups fertility practices and ideas on the subject the place of women in society and the traditional protective barriers of society. Spread of HIV infection can be attributed to general sociocultural factors which place women in a particularly vulnerable position. In addition to these sociocultural factors some aspects of modern socioeconomic life in Africa seem to have an impact on HIV. These factors include education economic growth and gender equality. In the context of AIDS prevention it is noted that circumstances of the African womans everyday life hinder the prevention of and proper response to the epidemic. It would be very difficult to obtain favorable results as long as the influence of certain traditions such as the cultural social economic and sexual dependence of women on their husbands and in-laws has not been reduced.