Gender equality, gender norms and relations

Gender equality, gender norms and relations
Gender inequality causes many women to enter sex work. Globally, most sex workers
are women or girls. With unequal access to education, employment, credit or financial
support outside marriage, women and girls often see sex work as one of the few options
available to support themselves81. Such economic pressures are compounded for women
whose husbands have died or abandoned them or who otherwise bear the primary burden
of supporting their families. Gender inequalities also result in stricter regulation of sexual
behaviour of women, girls, and men who have sex with men. Hypocrisy, denial, and taboos
associated with sex and sexuality impede effective programming on HIV and sex work.
An effective, sustainable response to HIV requires evidence-informed measures to address
the unequal relations between women and girls, men and boys, and men who have sex
with men82. Evidence-informed programmes to forge norms of gender equity should
be brought to scale, with particular attention to initiatives focused on men and boys83.
For example, programmes to promote dialogue and critical reflection among young men
regarding gender inequalities have been shown to significantly reduce their support for
inequitable gender norms, and to significantly increase condom use and decrease intimate
partner violence84. There is a much broader need for programmes that address norms and
practices concerning sexuality, marriage and reproduction; harmful cultural practices that
injure or disadvantage women; and the unequal access of women and girls to social, legal,
and political rights.85 Family and community structures should be strengthened to protect
young people from sexual exploitation. Religious leaders, educators and other community
leaders should be mobilized to advocate for a cultural environment that refuses to tolerate
sexual exploitation, including child marriage