We'll Show You You're A Woman": Violence And Discrimination Against HIV Positive Women in Nigeria: The Case of Abia State

Introduction
Study examined extent to which cultural obligations promote violence and discriminations against HIV positive women.

Materials and method:
Data collection instruments were questionnaire, focus group discussion and interview guides. A total sample of 98 HIV positive women in network of people living positively was studied. Five key informants were interviewed to authenticate responses got from women. Data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively.
Results
About 59(60%) of the women were ejected from matrimonial homes and 85(86.7%) denied rights to family resources. These women complained of insufficient money to procure ART and food items. As high as 78(79.6%) were aware of risks of unprotected sex, yet 54(55%) of them practised it. Common reason given was that sex attracted money.
Conclusion
Proportion of women with no access to family resources, suggests extensive discrimination, pervasive marginalization, and violence . Therefore, enlightenment seminars are needed to reduce violence on HIV positive women.