Citation

Duituturaga E. Pac. AIDS Alert Bull. 2000; (19): 14-15.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, South Pacific Commission)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12295869

Abstract

This paper discusses the gender dynamics of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV/AIDS based on the relationship between gender violence, reproductive health, sexuality, STD and HIV/AIDS. This approach highlights AIDS as an increasingly female concern, a consequence of the social makeup of female and male sexuality, and the result of inequalities that characterizes many heterosexual relationships. Gender violence is considered as the most intimate enemy among most women with an extremely high indirect cost to development. Not only that, it also causes more death and disability among women aged 14-44 years, having greater risk from their husbands, fathers, and neighbors or colleagues. Moreover, the link between gender violence and HIV/AIDS and STD can be observed through the rising incidence of these infections among women particularly during unprotected vaginal intercourse. Also, these women often bear the pain and discomfort associated with STD because of social constraints. The study calls for further research into behavior change interventions that address gender dynamics to prevent the fatal intimacy of women's vulnerability to STD and HIV, the intimate enemy of gender violence and the fatal encounter with AIDS. Lastly, the paper includes information about the work of the Pacific Women's Resource Bureau and its pioneering initiative on the Pacific multi-site study on violence against women.

Language: en