What are the recommendations of UNDP in tackling this burgeoning problem in southern Africa?
Did you find the status of women in these societies related to the problems associated with HIV/AIDS? The status of women is a very difficult problem. They are the caretakers, farmers, producers and principal wage-earners. And the laws are against them laws related to ownership of land and access to credit, among others. They have very little control over their bodies or anything else. The practice of widow-cleansing and genital mutilation, for instance, is steeped in tradition and entrenched prejudice. Women have to band together to fight traditions that result in the loss of their lives or dignity. These, however, are touchy subjects. We need to be very constructive. Societies need to weed out these traditions themselves. We are more interested in seeing laws changed to give women access to credit, advancement opportunities and inheritance rights. Women need to have access to basic human rights and legal instruments. We need to ensure that those who are trying to adapt to the reality
