Cape Town — Gender-based discrimination in Botswana and Swaziland is integrally linked to the high rates of HIV infection among women in those countries, a study by Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) has found.
The report, titled 'Epidemic of Inequality: Women's Rights and HIV/Aids in Swaziland and Botswana', cites four main reasons for this: women's lack of control over sexual decision-making (including the decision to use a condom); HIV-related stigma; a widespread belief that women are inferior; and the failure of governments to promote the equality, autonomy, and economic independence of women.
PHR has recommended that the Botswana and Swaziland governments 'comprehensively advance women's human rights and address violations' against women in their countries. This should involve taking steps ranging from ending discrimination in law to making sure that women have access to basic necessities such as food, potable water, and shelter.
The report stresses the need for education on gender as well as HIV issues, and the provision of more skills training and economic opportunities for women.
"The National leadership [of Swaziland and Botswana respectively] really needs to step up to the issue of gender inequality at the heart of the HIV/Aids epidemic," said PHR's Senior Research Associate Karen Leiter in a telephonic press conference from Swaziland. "They need to go beyond rhetoric…to create more comprehensive plans, and to implement those plans."
More than 2000 people were canvassed for the study.
