Gender and HIV/AIDS in a Ugandan context: a participatory action inquiry

Abstract

The article argues that people and communities perceive and deal with HIV/AIDS as only of the many problems and tensions they experience as affecting their well being. Thus, the intervention for the control of HIV/AIDS through the creative other than the reactive- responsive orientation in the development process is being proposed. It is also noted that the discussion of the issues related to HIV/AIDS and sexuality is blocked by deeply held views that men have about women and sex. This is the reason why the issue of gender is central when discussing with the people to determine the health they truly want including how to manage the HIV/AIDS problem. The study team brought together rural youth of 13-25 years and men and women of 26-45 years and used participatory action research methodologies to reflect and exchange information, knowledge and skills on the issues related to gender and HIV/AIDS. This empowering knowledge was useful for launching advocacy for attitude and behaviour change toward risky sexual behaviours and for supporting communities in developing visions of healthy communities the people truly cherish. The study process generated information, which was used to develop the content for a facilitator's guide on Gender and HIV/ AIDS that should be used in all communities in Uganda and elsewhere to adequately manage HIV/ AIDS problem.