Gender and Human Security: Reflections on the

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between gender, human security and HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nigeria. It explores this by critically examining the factors that promote the susceptibility and vulnerability of women/girls to contracting HIV/AIDS infection in Nigeria. It argues that in a patriarchal society such as Nigeria, gender is the prop on which vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and threats to human security rest. It further examines how cultural, political, socio-economic, and governance variables interplay to create and exacerbate the vulnerability of women/girls to contracting HIV/AIDS. Although the prevalence of the disease has declined since 2003, the paper observed that HIV/AIDS in Nigeria has disproportionately affected women. To better respond to the scourge of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, the paper calls for the refocusing of campaign efforts on the rural areas; appropriate funding of the health sector; empowerment of women through proactive legislations; and greater representation of women in governance institutions to ensure that the formulation of public policies as well as the management of public resources is attuned towards greater responsiveness to the peculiar needs and challenges of women.