As much as this blog has been about various funny events, weird happenings, "tasty" food, and beautiful scenery in Tanzania...the time has come to discuss a serious subject. One that seems to affect every aspect of life here....HIV/AIDS.
The high rate of HIV/AIDS infections is a problem in Africa...you just can't ignore it. In Tanzania, it's is the leading cause of death for people aged 18-35 and in some places the rate of infection is as high as 44%. One in every four Tanzanians has HIV...staggering statistics. There are millions of AIDS orphans and a society suffering from the loss of many of its most production members.
Although when we were sitting in class learning about the problems that effect development in sub-Saharan Africa and HIV/AIDS came up all of us always thought that the issue was simply related to health care and prevention education. We thought that if people just knew how the infection was caused, how to prevent it and had free or affordable access to ARVs (Anti-Retroviral drugs) and improved health care....the problem would be solved. However, there is a whole side of this problem that, to put it mildly, exists only under the rocks....with the other creepy crawlies.
I had the pleasure the other day of helping to edit a report entitled, " Cultural Practices Leading to the Increase of HIV/AIDS in the Chagga Tribe of Moshi Region" What I read in this report had me questioning if the fight against AIDS can be won with the methods they are teaching in North American universities, colleges and in the boardrooms of Northern NGOs (Non-Government Institutions) The report basically summarized the cultural practices of the Chagga tribe (the dominant tribe in Kilimanjaro region...where Moshi is) that (in the respondents opinions) contribute to the high rate of HIV/AIDS infections in the region. Let's just say I was shocked at what women in this country have to deal with and ever so much more thankful that through some lucky chance (or divine intervention) I am North American in the 21st century.
I think I had to question my own beliefs as I read the report as I finally came face to face with something cultural that I just could not wrap my head around or make logical sense out of in any way. I don't want anyone to think I am standing on a high horse or judging anyone...I just want people to know just how hard the battle against HIV/AIDS is in Africa...there is just so much to overcome...even before the condom goes on.
***************WARNING**************
(If you are my mother or my father or easily offended please don't read any further)
Here are some of the high(low)lights of the report...a summary of the cultural practices that contribute to the high rate of HIV/AIDS infections.
1) Widow Inheritance: In the Chagga tradition a woman is simply property. If her husband dies, she, her children, the house, the household goods become the property of one of her husband's brothers. In theory, this is meant to ensure the women and children are looked after. However, in practice, the woman simply becomes the sexual partner of her husband's brother all loses all of her property. Also, when her new "owner" is away, she is left at the mercy of the community, and may be forced into sexual relations with others.
2) Women's Do Not Have Rights to Their Own Bodies: In Chagga culture, a woman is not allowed to make any major decisions affecting her own family, her own body or her own health. A woman cannot even get tested for HIV unless she has her husband's permission. A woman cannot insist a man use a condom. A woman cannot even refuse to have sexual relations with her husband (or anyone else who asks...as you'll learn later).
3) Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) or Female Circumcision: This is a practice where part of a woman/girl's genitalia is cut and/or sewn shut (with only a tiny hole remaining..which is opened when she is married for intercourse) It is a cultural practice and is meant to ensure a woman's purity at marriage. It also apparently guarantees a higher "bride price" from the husband's family.
The report does not say FGM is wrong, in fact the warning about FGM, is that if the women has intercourse while the wound is still open or fresh, it increases the chances of contracting infection.
5) "Secret" Sexual Practices: The actual title of this section was Secret But Culturally Acceptable Sexual Practices...I am not one to judge but apparently in the Chagga tradition, incest is perfectly acceptable. Mostly it relates to fathers having "relations" with their own daughters and is a reported common practice in rural areas. It is also perfectly acceptable for a man to have more than one wife, for father-in-laws to sleep with daughter-in-laws etc.
6) Separation of Partners: If your husband has to go to another town to look for work for an extended period of time it is perfectly acceptable for him to take on a "concubine" in order to satisfy their libido. According to this report, it is completely unimaginable for someone to be separated from their partner for an extended period of time and remain faithful. (PATRICK....YOU BETTER NOT!...)
7) Alcohol: Drinking is an ingrained part of Chagga culture. Everyone drinks beer here...from teens to old women. It is the traditional way of socializing and sharing news. However, the report blames the tradition of drinking alcohol because too much alcohol causes men to act irrationally and to "rape" women, and to have "relations" with "mad" women who may not reveal their HIV status. Oh yes...and alcohol also increases libido..and lowers inhibitions in women. In fact the report stated that men invite women to bars with the sole purpose of getting them drunk and having their way with them. (Ummm...ok)
8) Traditional Dances and Bootleg Video Shows: Dances- Apparently all the gyrating paired with alcohol and the "suggestive" clothing worn by the loose women who attend the dances leads men to again...act irrationally. It also leads to premartial sex, unprotected sex, and the overall end of civilization as we know it.
Along the same lines...children who go to makeshift showings of uncensored and inappropriate movies will end up trying to "imitate" the actions they see on screen. (Thank goodness SAW 1,2,3 and 4 have R ratings!)
9) Superstitions: There is a widely held belief that having sex with a child will make one prosperous or increase one's wealth. I can't even think about this one as my head feels like it is going to explode...we have also heard here (and in class) that there is a belief that having sex with a virgin will cure you of AIDS. There is a high rate of child rape in this country...a high rate of rape in general. It truly is sad..especially when most of the time it is condoned or the woman is blamed for enticing the man.
Can I lay judgement? No...I don't think I can. So I won't. I can enlighten myself and come away with the knowledge that the fight against AIDs in Africa will never simply be about free condoms, free testing or free drugs....it's a mountain of issues higher than Kilimanjaro itself.
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