Transforming Gender Norms
Gaps in Research
- 1.
- Changing prevailing gender norms dictating multiple sexual partners for men and sexual ignorance and submissiveness for women and girls that can lead to increased HIV rates is a current challenge. Further well-evaluated interventions are needed.
- 2.
- Programs to transform gender norms should address homophobia as part of the definition of masculinity.
1. Changing prevailing gender norms dictating multiple sexual partners for men and sexual ignorance and submissiveness for women and girls that can lead to increased HIV rates is a current challenge. Further well-evaluated interventions are needed. Studies found that women felt at risk for HIV yet without power to negotiate sex or condom use. Studies found that both men and women thought multiple sexual partners for men to be an accepted norm in many countries. Media reinforced these gender stereotypes.
Gap noted, for example, in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Songbandith et al., 2008); South Africa (Kelvin et al., 2008, Ngema et al., 2008, Harrison, 2008); India (Seth et al., 2008); Chile (Cianelli et al., 2008); Papua New Guinea (Dover and Levy, 2008); China (Zhou, 2008); Latin America (Parodi and Lyra, 2008); and Zimbabwe (Feldman and Masophere, 2003).
Songbandith, T., S. Sheridan, P. Ounapho, N. Chilivong and M. Toole. 2008. “Sexual Behaviour and Vulnerability of Young Females, Vientiane Capital, Lao People’s Democratic Republic.” Abstract TUPE0322. XVII International AIDS Conference. Mexico City, Mexico. August 3-8.