Village Reflection and Dialogue on Gender and HIV/AIDS using Human Rights-Based and Visionary Approaches to Development in a Ugandan Context

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 rather than perceiving and dealing with it as the single most signifi cant problem. Thus, the intervention for the control of HIV/AIDS through the creative rather than the 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. Using participatory research methodologies
that empower and give voice to participants of different perspectives, the study
team formed partnership with four villages in Kibaale District, Uganda. The
team brought together rural youth of 13-25 years and men and women of 26-45
years to discuss issues regarding gender and HIV/AIDS. The discussions helped
the participants to refl ect 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 towards 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. It is, therefore, recommended that the activities the
participants were involved in should be scaled-up for use in many communities
in Uganda, which are still grappling with the HIV/AIDS problem.

Mtafiti Mwafrika Vol. 19 2007: pp. 1-82