WASHINGTON, March 27 (UPI) -- Gender inequalities are contributing to the "twin epidemics" of HIV/AIDS and domestic violence, experts said Monday.
The connection between AIDS and violence is especially evident for African women, whose social and legal status leaves them dependent on their abusive husbands, said Valentine Khaminawa, a gender and law specialist. For Ugandan women, for instance, marriage is actually a risk factor for AIDS, she said.
The AIDS epidemic and domestic violence link isn't just limited to Africa, said Jane Stoever, director of the Domestic Violence Clinic at the American University Washington College of Law. She spoke on behalf of clients of domestic violence in Washington.
"By empowering women economically, we hope for a reduction in domestic violence," Stoever said.
Women are increasingly vulnerable to contracting HIV. According to the World Health Organization and the United Nations, 48 percent of the global population living with HIV and AIDS are women. The trend has permeated younger generations, as well: Girls 15 to 24 are three times more likely to be infected than boys.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the first reported cases of AIDS.
