Tripped up by 'culture'

The patriarchal nature of our society must come to an end. Patriarchy, within itself, is not an obstacle to development or economic prosperity but, it appears to be a major obstacle to social safety and the health and well-being of our women.

The latest figures regarding those tested for HIV indicate that women, by far, are testing more frequently, than our men.

We do not understand.

Is it then that men are not as impacted by HIV or will not die from the disease?

Absurd.

Our men are married, with so-called 'side chicks'. They are playing sugar daddy to young girls who bend to their will. They have wives or life partners at home. And they are promiscuous. As though it is their right.

Blessers are omnipresent and far too common in this country.

But they do not test. And our women are not in a position to force them to do so.

Why then do we have HIV programmes and targets for eradicating the disease? Our young people are the highest rate of infection and these are the people that are to take the country forward in the next 10 to 20 years. But they will not be able to. Our teenagers are falling pregnant at a horrifying rate so they too, cannot take this country forward if they do not at least complete their schooling – something which is highly unlikely for a young teen who is a single mother.

And yet, the men do as they wish. And if women are shot or beaten to death for threatening to leave a man, then it is no wonder that they will not force their partners to test for HIV.

We are crippled by a social system which, in 2017, shows no signs of abating. And we do not see our leaders, the men, coming forward and inspiring the male countrymen to be more liberal and responsible in this regard. In fact, we have yet to hear a male politician speak about this issue.

All we have is women telling women to stand up. Telling them they have equal rights and the power to change the world. But they do not, do they?