title: Gender context of sexual violence and HIV sexual risk behaviors among married women in Iringa Region, Tanzania.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is a dearth of empirical research illuminating possible connections between gender imbalances and sexual violence among married women in Tanzania. There is a need to generate in-depth information on the connectivity between gender imbalances (asymmetrical resource ownership, sexual decision making, roles, and norms) and sexual violence plus associated HIV risky sexual behavior among married women.
  
  
  METHODS
  This paper is based on a qualitative case study that involved use of focus group discussions (FGDs). A thematic analysis approach was used in analyzing the study findings.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study findings are presented under the three structures of gender and power theory. On sexual division of labor, our study found that economic powerlessness exposes women to sexual violence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study suggests that married women experience a sexual risk of acquiring HIV that results from non-consensual sex. That non-consensual sex is a function of gender imbalances - ranging from women's economic dependence on their husbands or partners to socioculturally rooted norms and expectations regarding women's sexual behavior. The HIV risk is especially heightened because masculine sexual norms encourage men [husbands/partners] to engage in unprotected intra- and extramarital sex. It is recommended that the Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS) should address the gender dimensions of sexual violence in marriage.
authors.affiliation: Department of Development Studies, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; tumaininyamhanga@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Tumaini M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Nyamhanga
authors.affiliation: Department of Development Studies, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
authors.forename: Gasto
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Frumence
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005783:Gender Identity; D015658:HIV Infections; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012737:Sex Factors; D012742:Sex Offenses; D063507:Sexism; D013179:Spouse Abuse; D018454:Spouses; D013636:Tanzania; D047568:Unsafe Sex
keywords: Gender; HIV; married women; sexual risk; sexual violence