What social and cultural factors make women more vulnerable?
Social and cultural norms contribute to the unequal status of women in societies, which facilitates the spread of diseases such as HIV. In their sexual relationships, women are often denied the power to make decisions that may lower their risk of HIV infection. Social norms may restrict women’s ability to negotiate sex with a condom, demand fidelity in a relationship or seek information about protection, treatment or health care. The unequal power balance between men and women puts women at a greater risk of HIV infection. In some societies, social norms may dictate that women remain monogamous, while men may be allowed and even encouraged to engage in sex with multiple partners.
