An Initial Look into the Sexuality and Well-Being of Women Living with HIV: Making the Invisible Visible

Abstract

Abstract: This article focuses on the stories of women living with HIV concerning sexuality and well-being. Their stories counter the dominant perception of women?s sexuality and challenge the social norms shaping their lives. Ten women between the ages of 28 and 55 were interviewed. At the interview time, five of the women were unemployed and one retired, four had a partner, and five had children. The semi-structured interviews were conducted following a face-to-face format in which the sex-affective area was explored, examining its relevance, the women?s satisfaction, the difficulties they encountered, and the impact on their well-being. The results reflect the diversity of their experiences and the subordinate position they were in and their difficulties in meeting their sexual needs and achieving optimal levels of well-being. The data also reveals the status accorded to being a woman and being HIV-positive as factors affecting her sexual experience, as well as the difficulties she faced in obtaining satisfaction or care. Finally, this paper emphasizes the need to explore the obstacles in relation to living with HIV, including gender and sexuality, all of which must be taken into account in policy implementation and social policymaking.