Negotiating Safe Sex Among Young Women

The report on gender power relations among youth in Tanzania looks into the factors that influence the vulnerability and strength of young women in sexual affairs. Over 200 young women were surveyed on how they negotiated safe sex in order to protect themselves against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Female respondents aged 15 - 24 were questioned on their knowledge, attitudes, and decision making regarding condom use and abstinence. The survey was conducted in the districts of Temeke (Dar es Salaam Region), Njombe (Iringa Region) and Rungwe (Mbeya Region). The study findings revealed that young women did not have strong negotiating powers when it came to matters of sexual relations. They were not empowered economically and socially, in addition their limited knowledge, skills and formal education made it difficult for them to exercise their personal rights.