HIV/AIDS in women: Stigma and gender empowerment in Africa

In this perspective, we argue that the unequal burden of HIV/AIDS in African women, particularly young females in the 15-34 year age group, is symbolic of the low and unequal status of women. We examine the gendered nature of HIV infection in which a higher proportion of females than males have contracted HIV and the attendant stigma that they disproportionately encounter in their daily lives. We conclude the paper by highlighting both short- and long-term strategies to combat HIV infection and stigma. An important short-term solution is the provision of affordable therapy in the form of readily accessible antiretroviral therapies. Long-term strategies include female empowerment and the eradication of stigma that is often perpetrated against those living with HIV, particularly women.