The Role of NGOs in Addressing Gender Inequality and HIV/AIDS in Uganda

Abstract

The recognition of HIV/AIDS as an epidemic made it one of the human security threats in the 21st century. Gender-based resource imbalance and power relations contribute not only to the understanding of HIV/AIDS as a human security issue, but also the aggravation of gender inequality. NGOs involved in fighting HIV/AIDS are currently embracing gender concerns with a view to promoting gender equality. Research for this article involved an evaluation of two NGOs in Uganda — The AIDS Support Organization (TASO) and the Post-Test Club / Philly Lutaaya Initiative (PTC/PLI) — with the aim of finding out their role in addressing 605 606 cjas / rcea 44: 3 2010 gender inequality and HIV/AIDS. The findings from this research highlight the value of gender-sensitive programs such as couples’ counselling and education and awareness. The research findings show that these programs have facilitated women’s empowerment, enabling them to be more assertive with their male partners in negotiating safe sex. The article concludes that the work of TASO and PTC/PLI has had an important and positive impact on the lives of people in Uganda, especially women.