Women's control over their sexuality and the spread of STDs and HIV/AIDS in Ghana (original) (raw)

1993, Health Transition Review

Given the present spread of AIDS, there is a need to examine the extent to which the vulnerability of women to STDs and AIDS is reinforced by social values. This paper discusses the rights of Ghanaian women over their sexuality and its implications for the spread of STDs in general and AIDS in particular . Women in Ghana, particularly the matrilineal Akans, in theory have rights over their sexuality and can assert their rights over an offending husband. Their poor economic status in the modern economy means that economic concerns are now overshadowing traditional norms which governed marital relations in the past. Some women have become economically dependent and, therefore, less likely to take control over their sexuality. The results of a survey of 400 prostitutes, long-distance traders and other women indicate that women are vulnerable because they are poor and dependent and therefore less likely to take control over their own sexuality.

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