Abstract:
Salaam, was undertaken during June and July 2000. It sought to establish their
perception of the female condom and its role in the struggle for women sexual
empowerment. Ability to negotiate safer sex was considered as a proxy for women
sexual empowerment, Only 7% ~fthem were most able to negotiate.
The salary of barmaids ranged from Tanzanian Shillings 4,000 to 50,000 per month,
and most barmaids had dependants. Low income and increasing number of
dependants among barmaids whom are of low level of education, were associated
with involvement in multiple sexual relations and became unable to negotiate safer
sex. Having multiple sexual relationships was a survival strategy among barmaids. In
effect their employment did not improve their economic status but rather it exposed
them to risks ofHN infection, STDs and unwanted pregnancies.
Though the barmaids realized the possibility for their self-protection, male
dominance in the sexual relationships stood as an obstacle for barmaids' efforts
against HN infection STDs and unwanted pregnancies, as most of their sexual
partners were not in favour of using condoms. Not many barmaids could forego the
monetary gains as a result of insisting on condom use.
Barmaids perceived the female condom as device meant to empower them sexually
but were concerned with its price and the fact that it was not widely available.
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Multiple approaches for addressing the economic and social deprivation of barmaids
and hence their vulnerability in order to empower them for self protection against
RIV infection are recommended .
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