Ciere Welton on Paul Farmer's: "Women, Poverty and AIDS"

In this reading, there are three stories given based on women and AIDS. Amongst the stories, Paul speaks on the "commonalities" the three women face.

This perspective has left me in thought regarding the affect of the oppression of women. I have never given much thought about how women who end up with the AIDS virus might not have actually had much of a choice. All of their stories are similar in that they began with not many choices or that their choices were taken from them. If they were part of the "us" would their lives have turned out the same? Would their lives be the same if they actually had the options of being loved by their father and not beaten by him, sold into prostitution or having access to a job that would help them make "more than ends meet".

I assume I lack the knowledge of so many women being robbed of their rights because as stated in the reading these perspectives are hardly recognized or spoken about publicly. The AIDS virus is more so deemed a issue primarily amongst men, though it is not! What about these three women or millions of more being introduced to drugs because the pressures put on them and the absence of support from loved ones or just in general. In my opinion, it should be far from common that so many women have to endure such oppression.

According to Avert, an informative global site about HIV and AIDS, girls ranging from just the third grade up until nearly 30 years of age are likely to acquire the HIV virus. This site introduces factual evidence that majority ethnic or minority women are left vulnerable to this virus due to "unequal cultural, social and economic status." I have learned that that there are many aspects that contribute to this epidemic, including women who have the virus and give birth, women who lack the knowledge of safety and the list continues.

https://www.avert.org/professionals/hiv-social-issues/key-affected-populations/women

There are too many women that are denied their right to protect themselves due to the "commonality" of cultural oppression.