South African HIV Women Suffer Under Inequality

“The co-existence of epidemics of both HIV and violence against women has raised the costs of violence for South African women and girls both physically and psychologically,” said Kagari.

While there are many good reasons to increase testing for HIV across South Africa, the situation is complicated in a context of gender inequality and violence, poverty and social stigma. Women are currently tested in greater numbers than men. When they receive limited psycho-social support, disclosing their status can leave them vulnerable to abandonment, threats of violence and other consequences of stigma and discrimination.

The great majority of rural women interviewed by Amnesty International said that their male partners were reluctant to test for HIV or refused to be tested even when there were strong indications the men might be HIV-infected.

Many of the women faced abuse from their partners when they tried to access health services for HIV-related treatment and care.

“When a woman’s partner is in denial about his own HIV status, he may resent her going to the clinic or taking medication,” said Rayner.

“In the context of pervasive gender inequalities, stigma and violence facing women, particular attention must be paid by those providing HIV testing to anticipate and address possible adverse consequences for women once they disclose their HIV positive status and start treatment.”

Effective treatment for HIV and AIDS requires regular visits to hospitals and clinics for treatment and care. Rural women living with HIV in circumstances of poverty and unemployment face constant challenges in having regular access to food and often cannot afford transportation to health clinics for treatment.

Also hampering treatment in rural areas is the fact that South Africa’s health system is currently facing severe shortages of essential medical and staff necessary for providing a comprehensive service.

Amnesty International USA is currently campaigning in the U.S. Congress for passage of the International Violence Against Women Act, which would provide U.S. aid and support for efforts overseas to prevent violence against women, including medical treatment for victims, economic empowerment for women, programs to change social attitudes, and legal reforms.

“Violence against women is so widespread and deeply rooted around the world that to have an impact the U.S. government must take a comprehensive approach with a consistent vision,” said Maureen Greenwood, an advocacy director for AIUSA in Washington DC. “This legislation could make a difference in places like South Africa, where it is clear that violence against women affects the spread of AIDS with dire consequences.”

To read complete March 2008 124-page report go to: Anmesty International

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[YouTube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5zGJCldYro?rel=0]

Footage of life in South Africa and an interview with Desiree Boyson, a community AIDS activist who voluntarily serves the people of Wentworth in Durban, South Africa.

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