Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

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Browsing Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities by Subject "AIDS (Disease) -- Women -- Zimbabwe"

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    Exploring the vulnerability of black women to HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe :a case of Masvingo urban area
    (University of Fort Hare, 2014) Chikono, George
    The problem question that this study seeks to address is the perpetual defencelessness of women to HIV and AIDS. The study was greatly influenced by personal concern on the circumstances of predominantly black women in the 21st century as they continue to lag behind in many aspects of life. They continue to be the custodian of poverty and it is so perturbing that on top of being marginalised again they constitute lamentable statistics of HIV and AIDS infection. Hence, in the quest to understand the life dynamics which influence black women vulnerability qualitative research methodology was implemented so as to examine the subject matter. Purposive sampling technique was applied to select participants from various support groups in Rujeko and Mucheke High density suburbs as well as practitioners from pre-HIV test and post-HIV test counselling centres within Masvingo urban area. Findings unanimously pinpoint the economic hardships and series of dry seasons that the nation has been experiencing. Tilted public terrain forced women in Masvingo urban area and girls as young as 10years of age survive by selling sex for subsistence. Lack of industrial activity, poor infrastructure, sky rocketing living standards, low educational attainment and high level of unemployment are indicators of poverty and prime determinants of high HIV prevalence among most black women. It is because of above mentioned life circumstances that women encounter which makes them more prone to HIV infection as they end up indulging in transactional sex in order to provide food on the table. Moreover, HIV and AIDS prevalence has soared among women due to the fact that the patriarchal system is still instrumental in the mainstream resulting in women being side lined. The vicious system does not only condone women domination but it fuels women exploitation signified by exclusive male hegemony in the public sphere. Interestingly, Masvingo urban area is the second city from Beitbridge border post but despite of its proximity to the port of entry it is still underdeveloped since most of manufacturing industries are concentrated in Harare. Notably, the government response to women vulnerability has been substantial in the free provision of antiretroviral treatment (ART) but this has done little to transform the livelihood of People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). However, there have emerged some NGOs which try to cushion the burden especially for those suffering to the disease by helping them form support groups as well as equipping them with life skills. Ironically, men who are regarded as perfect transmitters of the scourge due to their biological make up continue to be onlookers in prevention campaigns. The study recommends that men have to spearhead the acceptance of voluntary counselling and HIV testing as well as becoming instrumental in prevention campaigns. Also there is need for laws which instil follow-ups and accountability particularly service delivery to People Living with HIV and AIDS. Ignoring the circumstances of black women in the mainstream outweighs the possible achievement of an HIV free generation.