Disturbing fatalism_TheStarApr09

This article may be used to:

• Show how attitudes contribute to the spread of the virus;
• Effectiveness of dividing groups into separate categories especially when dealing with sensitive issues;
• Highlight unequal power relations in relationships;
• Show how patriarchy treats men and men differently;
• Highlight the dangers of selling sex as a means of survival;
• Highlight the extent to which alcohol consumption leads to risky sexual behaviours;
• The need for open communication between men and women as a means of addressing HIV/AIDS

Trainer’s notes

The article does not blame either sex for the spread of the virus, but places responsibilities on sexes’ attitudes, attributing the spread of the virus on fatalism by both men and women. The article also highlights that contrary to popular belief, it is not only men who have an aversion to condoms, women are also not keen on protected sex.

The article highlights the unequal gender dimensions in relationships. Some of the young women interviewed felt they had to have sex with men because sex equals love and strengthened their relationships. Unfortunately such views, compounded by socialisation, strips women of the power of taking control of key decision-making.

Closely related to this are the chauvinist attitudes which hail men with many partners as “uyis’khokho” (you are the man) while women with many partners are labelled “isifebe” (a bitch). Furthermore, the article highlights the extent to which sex is used as a means of getting money and material possessions resulting in multiple and concurrent sexual partners. This trend is also said to be responsible for the sugar daddy phenomenon. Ironically, it is children especially girls left orphaned by HIV/AIDS who normally find themselves in such situations. At the end of the day this becomes a never ending cycle. The article however missed an opportunity to connect the two.

Alcohol abuse is also given as a factor leading to people to engage in high risk sexual behaviour. There is therefore a need for people to drink responsibly. The study’s wide focal area is commendable. It focused on different groups in different situations and with different needs. This helps to fully understand the needs of a particular group and therefore not only coming up with a solution tailor made to suit them, but it helps researchers to fully interrogate and deal with the cause of the problem and at the end of the day come up with a solution which not only manages the problem but effectively deals with it.

Discussion Questions

• Both men and women are sourced. What value does this add to the article?
• What messages come through about attitudes?
• What causes fatalistic attitudes about HIV? How can this be addressed.

Training exercises

• Design a media campaign aimed at promoting behavioural change.
• Conduct a survey of people’s attitudes towards MCP. Are there gender differences?

Other training resources

For more information on multiple and concurrent sexual partners visit: http://www.mediamonitoringafrica.org/index.php/resources/entry/fmpowering_women/