Rape eroding gains in Aids fight, say experts

[Guest guest]

Rape eroding gains in Aids fight, say experts

By Mwai

Health experts have warned that sexual violence against women is

retarding the fight against HIV/Aids.

Surveys indicate that one in every four women is losing their

virginity through forced sex and that 10 to 50 per cent of females

report physical and sexual abuse by an intimate partner at least

once in their lives.

United Nations Development Fund for Women (Unifem) regional director

Nyaradzai Gumbozvanda said unfavourable divorce and property laws

also make it difficult for women to leave abusive relationships.

" In countries where laws against gender-violence exist insufficient

resources coupled with discriminatory practices by police and courts

and lack of institutional support leave women without access to

adequate protection, " Gumbozvanda said.

Gumbozvanda was speaking at the United Nations headquarters in

Nairobi ahead of the launch of a report that analyses violence

against women in relation to HIV/Aids in Kenya.

Jane Kalweo, a programme officer at UNAIDS, said unequal power

relations between men and women often deny women and girls the

ability to insist on safe sex.

http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143953893

[Guest guest]

Rape eroding gains in Aids fight, say experts

By Mwai

Health experts have warned that sexual violence against women is

retarding the fight against HIV/Aids.

Surveys indicate that one in every four women is losing their

virginity through forced sex and that 10 to 50 per cent of females

report physical and sexual abuse by an intimate partner at least

once in their lives.

United Nations Development Fund for Women (Unifem) regional director

Nyaradzai Gumbozvanda said unfavourable divorce and property laws

also make it difficult for women to leave abusive relationships.

" In countries where laws against gender-violence exist insufficient

resources coupled with discriminatory practices by police and courts

and lack of institutional support leave women without access to

adequate protection, " Gumbozvanda said.

Gumbozvanda was speaking at the United Nations headquarters in

Nairobi ahead of the launch of a report that analyses violence

against women in relation to HIV/Aids in Kenya.

Jane Kalweo, a programme officer at UNAIDS, said unequal power

relations between men and women often deny women and girls the

ability to insist on safe sex.

http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143953893