The Chronicle Newspaper (Lilongwe)
4 September 2007
opinion
Lilongwe — What a challenge it is to be a woman in a developing country.
Apart from all the other social and economical issues that affect women negatively and have to deal with, there is the added challenge of trying to protect themselves against becoming infected with HIV without seeming to offend the cultural and traditional norms.
Whether one is married or not, there is really no difference and as long as you are in a sexual relationship, you are at risk of becoming infected if your partner is not faithful.
It is time that women had some form of control in how they can protect themselves.
If a man chooses no to use a condom when he has sex with some one other than his partner or wife, then he has made the choice himself. He has to take the responsibility of his action.
Women who cannot negotiate safer sex must be given the tools with which to protect themselves.
Let's for a moment reverse the rolls and ask men what it would be like to know that your wife or partner is involved in risky behavior and there is nothing that you can do to protect yourself. Some men shudder at the thought.
I am a woman and I want to be able to protect myself if need be. I want to know that if I become infected with HIV/Aids it is because I exposed myself and I must take the responsibility myself. I am also sure that there are many other women out there who feel the same.
This is wake up call to every one; Lets change the powerparadim and give women the opportuity to make informed decisions for themselves If women stand together and demand this, people will listen.
We did it with Antiretroviral, why not with the relationship aspect of our very existence.
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