Gender bias, gender stereotyping and risk for HIV – Amb Fahad Ahmed Chikaji

Home Uncategorized Gender bias, gender stereotyping and…
The patriarchal Nigeria culture that ascribe dis-empowering roles to women and men have implication for HIV prevention. Roles that limit women to doing  house chores, men to playing certain sports, expecting men not to cry have  implications. More often than not, women have been limited in their thinking and aspirations – workplace positions and jobs, relationships – due to these ascribed roles. They are limited in having the opportunity to become who they desire to be.
Gender-based violence is also rooted in traditional roles which give men authority over women in the society.
What can be done to this? It is time men and women pull down efforts to stereotype. Despite the biological differences, choices, opinions and opportunities need to be made available to both sexes equally. Other sexes also need to be recognized and respected in the way we do thing..
Respect for persons irrespective of status implies that people leaving with HIV should not be inferior or superior to others.
Each one of us also need to occupy our spaces no matter what the society says about who us; living with HIV, FSW, MSM OR PWID.
Detach yourself from the norms and do what makes you happy as long as you are not invading others privacy.
Stop stigmatizing yourself when no one is stigmatizing you. Don’t limit yourself to what the society is saying about you, keep an open mind.
Dear Advocates, let’s come together, value support and respect everyone we come across with irrespective of their differences. Lets make differences strength.


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