Gender, Sexuality and HIV and AIDS Education in South Africa

Abstract

The HIV epidemic in South Africa affects young people in their teenage years, the majority of whom are young women located in schools. Sexual violence and gender inequalities create vulnerabilities for young women increasing their risk of HIV. Promoting their sexual health as well as preventing the disease amongst young people remains a substantial educational and health priority. South African education has well-developed policies related to HIV and AIDS education in schools. Despite this the disproportionate burden that young women bear in relation to HIV remains acute. What remains missing is the development of an integrated HIV and AIDS education approach that takes children, gender and sexuality seriously. Given the urgency of the disease in the country, there is need for renewed efforts to integrate gender and sexuality within HIV and AIDS education. This is the central focus of this chapter.

Citation

Deevia, B. and Shakila, S. (2012), "Gender, Sexuality and HIV and AIDS Education in South Africa", Wiseman, A.W. and Glover, R.N. (Ed.) The Impact of HIV/AIDS on Education Worldwide (International Perspectives on Education and Society, Vol. 18), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 213-230. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-3679(2012)0000018012