Whereas sex is biological, gender is socially defined. Gender is what it means to be male or female in a certain society as opposed to the set of chromosomes one is born with. Gender shapes the opportunities one is offered in life, the roles one might play, and the kinds of relationships one might have - social norms strongly influence the spread of HIV.

For Women

Vulnerability to infection and risk-taking is increased by cultural attitudes that make it inappropriate for women to be knowledgeable about sex or to suggest condom use; by the common link between substance abuse and the exchange of sex for drugs or money; and by the economic need experienced by some migrant and refugee women that forces them to resort to sex work.

For Men

Vulnerability to infection and risk-taking is heightened by cultural attitudes that make it hard for men to admit to gaps in their knowledge about sex; by the link between socializing and alcohol use; by the frequency of drug abuse, including injection; and by the number of predominantly male occupations that entail migration and thus disrupt family life.

Although HIV/AIDS affects both men and women, women are more vulnerable because of biological, social, cultural and economic factors.
The rapidity of the spread of HIV/AIDS among women can be slowed only if concrete changes are brought about in the sexual behaviour of men.
Existing legal and policy frameworks need to be reviewed from a gender sensitive perspective to ensure positive and sustainable changes.

HIV is a Gender Issue Because:

The underlying causes and consequences of HIV/AIDS infections in men and women vary, reflecting differences in biology, sexual behaviour, social attitudes, economic power and vulnerability.
Inequality between the sexes limits women's access to care and services. It also reduces both men and women's opportunities to acquire knowledge about safer sexual practices, and to develop skills to protect themselves from HIV.
There is a large difference in attitudes towards men and women's sexuality, both within and outside of marriage. Promiscuity in men is much more acceptable. This exposes men to an increased risk of infection, and increases the possibility that they will transmit HIV/AIDS to their partners.
Women known to have HIV/AIDS are more likely to be rejected by their family, denied treatment, care and basic human rights. Yet women and girls tend to bear the main burden of caring for sick family members, including men living with HIV/AIDS.

" A gender-based response to HIV/AIDS and STDs focuses on how different social expectations, roles, status and economic power of men and women affect and are affected by the epidemic. It analyses gender stereotypes and explores ways to reduce inequalities between women and men so that a supportive environment can be created, enabling both to undertake prevention and cope better with the epidemic."

UNAIDS

Date: 25May2001

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