Priority Areas Gender-Based Violence Youth and Gender Gender Implications and Vulnerabilities of HIV/AIDS Constructive Male Engagement				Home > Priority Areas > Gender Implications and Vulnerabilities of HIV/AIDS Gender Implications and Vulnerabilities of HIV/AIDS The stigma surrounding HIV contributes to women's vulnerability within the home and community. Furthermore, the stigma surrounding sex, sexuality, and condom use undermines the acceptability of using condoms, one of the major tools available in preventing the spread of HIV. Gender disparities generally give men more power to decide on the timing and conditions of sex and the means of preventing infection, and limit women's ability to negotiate protection with their partners. The socialization of girls and women often curtails their autonomy and undermines their ability to negotiate with men. Gender disparities also have consequences on the burden of care, and the role women and girls must assume as caretakers. Key themes of interest to the IGWG: Stigma and HIV/AIDS Dual protection and condom promotion Sexuality and risk taking HIV/AIDS morbidity and mortality and the implications for gender relations, care giving, and childbearing