Blog Post 9: Women lead the way in the struggle against Swaziland's HIV crisis

This article is stating how women in Swaziland are not getting the support and resources they need to support their organization. The organization is called Swaziland for Positive Living which helps women that live in rural areas that are affected by HIV. How women in this country are trying to fight against this epidemic by providing support to those who need it. They are trying to fight the norms in this culture to better the lives of women which will lead to a better country for all. These women are hoping men will also become more involved to stop this problem from expanding more. Another issue that these women are presented with the Global Fund and how they have not provided resources and money to this organization and the women are wondering why. Women in Swaziland are determined to continue on with their lives regardless of the obstacles they face.
This issue is a social problem because women everywhere may be in this same situation where their local government is not necessarily doing everything they can to combat this problem. These women are trying to raise awareness and educate members of their communities but cannot because they lack the support to do so. It was stated that women in this country have a higher percentage of HIV and what is expected of women in their communities and country. Also, in many locations where these women live in a patriarchy society they are not in control; they have to get permission from a male family member and they may not allow them to receive the treatment they deserve. To change this problem if men and women in each community can work together to establish an effective program that will benefit all involved while still respecting the cultural beliefs of these countries, that can help reduce HIV and other issues that are present in these communities. If people are able to listen to one another and hear each others’ ideas it can lead to greater results.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/poverty-matters/2011/oct/26/swazi-women-campaign-stigma-hiv