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Gender
Principle 3 of the ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work:
The gender dimensions of HIV/AIDS should be recognized. Women are more likely to become infected and are more often adversely affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic than men due to biological, socio-cultural and economic reasons. The greater the gender discrimination in societies and the lower the position of women, the more negatively they are affected by HIV. Therefore, more equal gender relations and the empowerment of women are vital to successfully prevent the spread of HIV infection and enable women to cope with HIV/AIDS.
KEY POINTS
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| | • | There is a difference between "sex" and "gender": sex refers to the universal biological differences between men and women, gender refers to male and female social roles and behaviour. These are not universal or 'natural' but are learnt or acquired. They vary from one society to another and may change over time. Gender issues are not the same as "women's issues", though they may include them. Understanding how gender issues affect the spread of HIV/AIDS is equally important for men and for women.
| | • | Women bear the brunt of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Half of those infected are women, but they make up 60 per cent of new infections - and an even higher proportion of younger women (15 - 24). They also take a greater share of the burden of care - this often includes girls being taken out of school to look after sick relatives, or contribute to family income.
| | • | HIV infection is rooted in poverty, ignorance and women's lack of autonomy. Poverty creates the conditions that favour HIV transmission and worsen its impact: individuals who are poor also have less access to prevention messages and education; may be under-nourished and in poor health so more susceptible to infection; have limited assets, savings or social protection to draw on in the event of sickness; may resort to commercial or transactional sex in order to survive; lack the power to defend their rights. The effects of HIV/AIDS can lead to an intensification of existing poverty and push some non-poor into poverty.
| | • | Women are over-represented among the poor, and face particular risks and needs. These result from a range of factors that include their social roles, their lower legal status, their more limited access to education and waged work, and their lack of rights to credit, property and other assets. Women everywhere experience discrimination in the labour market, are paid less than men, and more frequently perform work with no security or benefits. The combination of inferior status and economic dependence on men makes it impossible for many women to protect themselves from unsafe sex; poverty also drives women to risky behaviours for survival. The fact that women take a greater share of the burden of care undermines their income-raising opportunities and job security.
| | • | More equal gender relations and the empowerment of women are vital to preventing the spread of HIV infection and helping people manage its impact (see ILO Code of Practice). Incorporating a gender dimension in all workplace activities is essential, addressing women's social and economic position as well as the factors that shape the behaviour of both men and women (see Consensus Statement).
| | • | Our views about men and women, about the roles that each play in the family, in society and at work, are strongly held views. Our feelings about sexual behaviour also run deep, and many think that this should remain a private and personal matter. But if we do not talk about gender and sex, we are left without defences. Globally, between 70 and 80 per cent of all HIV transmission is through sexual contact.
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