Women make up an increasing proportion of adults in the 15-49 age range who are living with HIV/AIDS. In 1997, women made up approximately 41% of those living with HIV/AIDS. By the end of 2004, it rose to 47%, or almost half of the world’s population living with HIV/AIDS. This increase is occurring in many parts of the world. It is, however, most pronounced in sub-Saharan Africa. Women there represent 57% of all adults living with HIV/AIDS.

Gender inequalities increase women’s vulnerability to infection. Their social and economic status play a role in this kind of discrimination. Women and girls do not have the same access to prevention information and care services as men. Prescribed cultural gender roles require women and girls to be submissive and compliant. They are often afraid of refusing unprotected sex, thus adding to their vulnerability.

Globally, most young people living with HIV/AIDS are girls (62%). In some countries, infection rates are up to six times higher among young women than young men.

In some African traditions, women who survive a husband who has died from AIDS may face the efforts of his family to take away the family home by virtue of tradition. During violence and war, women are often raped as a weapon of fear and a symbol of victory. This practice puts women at greater risk of being infected and is another example of how a woman does not have control over what happens to her body.

AIDS is forcing communities to re-evaluate the roles of men and women. They must work together to change mindsets and identify problems that lead to HIV prevalence.

In Brief
In the United States, the Center for Disease Control reports that in 2003:

  • 27% of new HIV infections were among women;
  • 67% of new infections in women were among black women;
  • 16% of new infections in women were among Hispanic women;
  • 79% of new infections in women was through heterosexual contact;
  • 19% of new infections in women was through IDU use.

HIV Infection in Women
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were 19.2 million women living with HIV/AIDS worldwide by the end of 2003. This accounted for nearly half of the 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS.

African American and Hispanic women together comprise about 25% of all US women, yet they comprise about 83% of AIDS diagnoses reported in 2003.

Frequently, women with HIV infection have great difficulty accessing health care, and carry a large burden of caring for children and other family members who may also be HIV infected.

Women often lack social support and face other challenges that may interfere with their ability to adhere to treatment regimens.

To Learn More
Visit the following web sites for more information about women and AIDS: