HIV Among Women Who Have Sex with Women (WSW) in South Africa: Challenging Assumptions and Addressing Neglect

Abstract

South Africa is home to the largest population of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Of this population 
gender non-conforming women like women who have sex with women (WSW) remain undocumented. 
This study is an attempt to fill this information gap as it describes the demographic, health and sexual 
behaviours of 72 HIV positive WSW. The data indicate that WSW are not protected from HIV because of 
their same sex desires. These findings suggest the need to include WSW as a most at risk group for both 
HIV prevention and treatment programmes.