Hardy CC; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. WePeG6887.
AIDS Law Project, Johannesburg, South Africa
ISSUES: The low social and economic position of women is a major source of gender inequality in South Africa. Historically, women have depended on their relationships with men to access resources. With the erosion of traditional family structures, increasing numbers of couples are co-habiting rather than entering into formal marriages. As these co-habitation relationships have no legal status, women in such partnerships are particularly vulnerable. Women's weak socio-economic status also contributes to their vulnerability to HIV infection. In sub-Saharan Africa, the highest prevalence of new HIV infections is amongst young women. DESCRIPTION: The study examines the legal position of women in co-habitation relationships and the current process of law reform. It explores the increasing need for rapid reform, in light of the impact of the HIV epidemic on women in co-habitation relationships. Increasing numbers of women are left destitute when relationships break down due to death or around a diagnosis of HIV. The study draws on cases reported to the AIDS Law Project, a specialist legal NGO, which engages in litigation and advocacy work in the area of HIV / AIDS and the law. LESSONS LEARNED: The study shows that the HIV epidemic is exacerbating existing gender inequalities, a process which contributes to feminisation of poverty. However, law reform around gender issues is not seen as a national priority. The role of civil society in engaging in advocacy for law reform is highlighted. RECOMMENDATIONS: The study recommends that civil society organisations develop an advocacy strategy aimed at persuading states to: 1) Recognise the link between HIV / AIDS and gender oppression, and 2) Prioritise legal reform to create a legislative framework for gender equality.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Africa South of the Sahara
- Disease Outbreaks
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Interpersonal Relations
- Legislation
- Male
- Organizations
- Sex
- Socioeconomic Factors
- South Africa
Other ID:
UI: 102251516
From Meeting Abstracts