TOPIC: Care & Services
OTHER KEYWORDS: South Asian, Women, People Living with HIV/AIDS, Canada
TITLE: South Asian Women Living with HIV/AIDS
BIBLIOGRAPHY
South Asian Women Living with HIV/AIDS. Canadian Woman Studies. 2001; 21(2):131-133
SUMMARY
This article highlights the stories of three South Asian women living with HIV/AIDS in Canada, describing several issues: reproductive health, challenges to maintain confidentiality, fear of being ostracized, cultural and religious barriers, economic conditions, and the stigma of HIV/AIDS as a western disease related to homosexuality, drug use, or promiscuity. Although these women keep their condition private from others in their community, they maintain optimistism as a way of dealing with the illness and social taboos. Their stories address the need for South Asian women to have empowerment, supportive and accessible HIV/AIDS services for greater understanding of reproductive choices, and increased recognizition of their physical, social, and reproductive rights.