Intersections of financial agency, gender dynamics, and HIV risk: A qualitative study with adolescent girls and young women in Zambia

• DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.1951800
• Publication Date: 2021-07-13T19:59:48Z
• Authors: Laura Gauer Bermudez; Drosin Mulenga; Maurice Musheke; Sanyukta Mathur
• Keywords: Dynamics

Objectives: Recent research demonstrates that economic interventions may positively effect HIV risk among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa. Some evidence reveals potential associations between financial decision-making bargaining power sexual relationships. However, this is mixed, nuanced, limited. This paper explores how AGYW Zambia understand agency its on intimate Methods: In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 females aged 15-24 years residing Kalingalinga, a low income, high-density residential area Lusaka. Data analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Participants spoke of the ability to earn spend money as reality for some aspirational many others, intrinsic cultural religious caveats influencing perceptions women. The transfer independence within relationships was viewed mechanism reduction; however, male privilege an obstacle irrespective decision-making. Conclusions: Programmes aiming enhance have reduce risk. Yet, be most effective, integration gender-transformative programmes needed address norms dominance keep positions vulnerability.