Gender relations in the context of HIV/AIDS in rural South Africa

Abstract

As part of the Microbicides Development Programme, we conducted formative research to explore gender relations at a site in rural KwaZulu-Natal. We were interested in gender relations and in assessing their implications for emerging female initiated and controlled HIV prevention methods in the form of microbicides. Eleven focus group discussions were conducted with men and women in the community. Participants were asked about decision making about sex, family planning and the use of condoms in heterosexual relationships. Findings suggest that gender relations in the context of HIV are complex. The findings suggest that both men and women feel that the final decision about child-bearing and the use of contraceptives and rests with women since they are the ones who bear the burden of child care. This implies that it is feasible for couples to use women-initiated and controlled methods of HIV prevention.

Acknowledgements

The Microbicide Feasibility Study in Preparation for Phase III Microbicide Trials in the Hlabisa Sub-district, South Africa, was conducted with a grant to the Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies from UK DFID (Grant number G0100137) through the Microbicide Development Programme of the Medical Research Council, UK. The authors would like to thank the participants and the following for facilitating the focus group discussions: the late Bonisiwe Mfekayi, Matsemela Moloi, Thandile Shandu and Wandile Manqele.

Notes

1. Refers to the indigenous population of South Africa. The term ‘Black’ refers to Africans, coloureds and Indians.

2. Term of respect or endearment term for a husband or father.