Discuss 2 ways in which gender inequality / unequal power relations can contribute to the spread of hiv infections

Question: Discuss 2 ways in which gender inequality / unequal power relations can contribute to the spread of HIV infections

 

Physiological vulnerability

Gender inequality can contribute to the spread of HIV infections because of many reason. It's linked to low access to sexual health services, (HIV testing and treatment.)  Gender inequalities and unequal power relations enhance women's physiological vulnerability to HIV and this prevents their access to HIV services.  Due to many inequitable laws, harmful traditions and relationship violence, women have limited choices, poor opportunities and low access to information.

Can't make decisions about their own lives

More than 80% of women in Senegal, Niger, Burkina Faso, and more, don’t have a say on their own healthcare. Many young women are not able to make decisions about their own lives and can't get any health services (HIV care/prevention.) In 29 countries, women can access sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services with the consent of their male partner and  75% of women (age 15 to19) don't have a say in decisions about their health care.