Women with HIV find themselves unfairly blamed by their families and are held accountable for transmitting the infection to their children and spouses.
New Delhi (THP) – Despite global efforts to address HIV-related challenges, a pervasive social stigma continues to haunt women diagnosed with HIV. According to UN statistics, women make up approximately 52% of the global population living with HIV, and experts agree that they encounter distinct challenges in dealing with societal responses to the infection.
Engaging in a discussion about the social stigma faced by women living with HIV, Mona Balani, Programme Officer at India HIV/AIDS Alliance, says, “Upon a woman’s HIV diagnosis, she often finds herself unfairly blamed by her entire family, held accountable for transmitting the infection to her children and spouse. In some distressing cases, families go to the extent of ostracising her, severing familial ties, and, at times, impugning her character.”
Adding insights, Dr. Pooja Khosla, Consultant at the Department of Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, highlights the challenges faced by women in rural and lower strata of urban populations. Dr. Khosla emphasises, “Premature marriages, prevalent in these communities, contribute significantly to this pattern. Unaware and undereducated, these women grapple with discrimination from their families, in-laws, and husbands. Often, societal and financial pressures leave them with limited alternatives. Additionally, instances of sexual violence further amplify the risk of infection.”
The lack of awareness and education is a significant barrier, with UN Women reporting that approximately 3 in every 10 adolescent girls and young women lack proper knowledge about HIV. This knowledge gap hinders women from adopting safer sexual practices. The persistent social stigma surrounding HIV, combined with societal pressures and limited education, underscores the ongoing challenges faced by women in the fight against this global health issue.
Source: The Health Presso
