INVIGORATING HIV AND AIDS PREVENTION THROUGH ADDRESSING TO POVERTY AND GENDER INEQUALITIES AMONG YOUNG WOMEN: A CASE FOR MASVINGO URBAN

INVIGORATING HIV AND AIDS PREVENTION THROUGH ADDRESSING TO POVERTY AND GENDER INEQUALITIES AMONG YOUNG WOMEN: A CASE FOR MASVINGO URBAN

PAUL MUPA P

PRIMROSE KURASHA

CHRISPEN CHIOME

This study sought to explore the perspectives of young women in Masvingo with the aim of better informing them on
HIV prevention. Focus group discussions and interviews were used to explore issues relating to HIV prevention. An
inductive content analysis identified emerging themes and patterns in the participants’ conversations. The study
revealed that, although young women were informed and motivated to prevent HIV, poverty and inequality were
significant barriers, limiting their power to protect themselves. The research adds evidence to the current argument
that failure to address the disempowering effects of poverty and gender inequality limits the effectiveness of current
HIV prevention for young women. HIV prevention must now address poverty and gender vulnerabilities, promoting a
protective environment, rather than focusing on influencing individual sexual behaviour

International J. Education & Research

2013