The life circumstances of HIV-positive women: the case of Magunje Township, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The increasing levels of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in sub-Saharan Africa have seen more women being infected by HIV. This article explores the interplay between culture, HIV transmission and disclosure experiences. The setting for the study was Magunje, a rural village in Zimbabwe. Using a semi-structured interview schedule, the interviews were conducted with women living with HIV/AIDS. It emerged that culture condones male promiscuity, since virility is judged by the number of partners that men have, while women face many challenges with regards to disclosure.

Keywords

• Human immunodeficiency virus
• Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
• HIV/AIDS
• HIV transmission
• HIV/AIDS disclosure experiences