Male circumcision: Women's rights getting the chop?

By Jennifer Thorpe

Male circumcision has been linked to the decreased transmission and contraction of HIV for men. It is being celebrated by scientists as an almost too obvious answer in the struggle to decrease HIV transmission. In South Africa, a country steeped in cultural and traditional ties to circumcision while at the same time suffering from increasing HIV prevalence (in some groups, particularly young women) this link is somewhat of a double-edged sword for women.

Firstly, when male circumcision (and I am speaking about medical circumcision performed by a “Western”* style doctor rather than traditional circumcision performed by a cultural/traditional healer) is touted as a preventative measure, many women will be faced with increased resistance from men with regards to condom use. It has become clear that behavioural changes are as necessary in the struggle against HIV as medical changes and developments are. South African men have been startlingly slow on the uptake and the struggle against HIV has been met with a struggle against condom use by many men. It is perhaps obvious, that when these men who did not use condoms before being circumcised are told about the links between circumcision and reduced HIV transmission they may be even less inclined to put a glove on their love.

Second, if these men are convinced in circumcision such that it becomes seen as an almost 100% prevention method (in reality the numbers are closer to about 60%) they may be more inclined to have multiple partners, endangering the sexual health of their partners through exposure to other STIs and reducing their feelings of responsibility in transmitting these diseases.

Third, if:
– Men have (even further) reduced feelings of responsibility for transmitting STIs and HIV and/or believe that being circumcised makes them unable to contract HIV;
– Are in a relationship with a female partner (or a number of female partners) and
– They become infected with HIV, or learn of their HIV-positive status, then
it is likely that women will be blamed for “giving” them HIV.

In a global culture where women are frequently labelled as carriers of disease and are held responsible for its spread, it is important to consider the ramifications for women in this case.

Stigma is a powerful driver in HIV transmission. It decreases the chances that people will get tested. It serves as a barrier to treatment and community support for people living with HIV/Aids. People living with HIV/Aids are often seen as dirty, sexually unclean, morally loose and are associated with a number of negative character traits regardless of their own character. To advocate for a prevention strategy that will increase stigma associated with women is to advocate for worsening the situation of some of the most socially and economically vulnerable members of society.

This strategy is still being researched and must be recognised as an attempt by the scientific society to find some sort of solution in a climate of pressure to find a cure for HIV.

It must be taken as a step forward, but not necessarily a step that can be taken at the moment. And if the step is taken it must be taken lightly and the interests of all South Africans considered, not least those living with HIV/Aids — particularly women.

*Western is a problematic term for me, as is African, European etc but the use of it here is to illustrate the distinction as it has been created in the media and in public discussion.

Jennifer Thorpe has a master’s in politics and deep commitment to women’s rights.