Both men and women can get HIV from unprotected vaginal sex. But women are more at risk than men during vaginal sex because the lining of the vagina is delicate and can tear easily and also has a larger surface area than the male sexual organs. These things give HIV more chances to enter the body if a condom is not used. 

The risk of getting and passing on HIV through vaginal sex rises further during a woman’s period due to the presence of menstrual blood. 

Women are more at risk than men during anal sex too. Anal sex carries an even greater HIV risk for women than vaginal sex. This is because the lining of the anus is more delicate than the lining of the vagina and so can tear even more easily. 

However, if a man is having anal sex with another man and he is the one being penetrated, he is equally at risk of HIV as a woman who has unprotected anal sex.

Gender-based violence is violence that someone experiences because of their gender. It can be physical, but it can also involve abusive and controlling behaviour and words. Any kind of gender-based violence increases HIV risk as it can stop someone from being in control of their body, and their health. 

Gender-based violence can include sexual violence, such as rape. Women and girls who are raped need access to free, non-judgemental HIV and STI testing and emergency contraception, plus PEP and safe abortion services if available. They should also be offered counselling and support. These services can be more effective if they are provided by women, especially women who have experienced violence themselves.

If a woman has an abusive partner or family member it can be effective to help her develop a confidential safety plan. This gives simple steps she can follow to get help if she is suddenly in danger. Or ways to stay safe while in the relationship, such as using an HIV prevention method like PrEP. Some plans can include steps to leave the relationship, but only if this is something the woman wants. Social support, such as cash transfers, education and training, can help women gain skills and confidence that will give them more power in relationships or the means to leave them. 

Gender-based violence services should not only focus on women. It is important to work with couples to improve communication and relationship skills. And to work with men to educate them on the harms and impact of gender-based violence (using male peers can be effective for this).

No. It may seem ‘natural’, but it’s only because this is how things have been in many communities for many years. The idea of men’s superiority to women has been made to look natural through laws, customs, practices and social attitudes that privilege men over women and shape how our societies’ work. All these things are man-made.

The idea that men should be the head of the family and the controlling force in relationships may have come from the fact that men are often physically bigger and stronger than women. But strength comes in many forms.