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Article Title: Traditional Practices and Uptake of Female Condoms in Zimbabwe
by Petronila Dadirai Motsi, Richard Gamuchirai Banda and Vincent Mabvurira

Abstract:
This paper examines the imbalances between the consumption of male and female condoms in Zimbabwe. Though HIV prevalence rates are reported to be declining in Zimbabwe, it is the position of this paper that women prevention methods are being compromised by traditional beliefs and practices. Patriarchy and male domination in decision making negatively impacts the women's capacity to make sexual and reproductive decisions. The female condom, a barrier device intended to protect women from contracting sexually transmitted infections lags behind the male condom in terms of uptake. Subordination of women, definition of womanhood and control issues in sexual matters are some of the factors compromising acceptance of women centered HIV prevention devices. Sex is controlled by men and women are stripped of their capacity to make sexual decisions. Results of this study can be used in reproductive and HIV and AIDS programming in Zimbabwe. They can also help women's organizations to strengthen their efforts in fighting cultural barriers to women empowerment.

Keywords: HIV and AIDS, women, tradition, culture, female condom, Zimbabwe.

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