The disparity in the levels of HIV infection between men and women - especially in countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including Swaziland - is of great concern. Particularly among youth and young adults, many more girls are infected than boys. The World Health Organisation (WHO) notes that young women are three to four times more likely to be infected than young men of the same age. One explanation of this disparity in infections is age-mixing in sexual relationships between older men and young women. Older men have higher rates of HIV infection than young men, and relationships with older men limit young women's power to negotiate safe sex. The socioeconomic and power imbalances inherent in cross generational and transactional sexual relationships put young women at high risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

Female gender activists believe that our societal values actually promote age disparity in relationships, where older men have relationships with young girls. What makes this an unacceptable norm, however, is the fact that most girls contract HIV from such relationships. Some older men will become violent if the girl suggests condom use; hence the girl is forced to engage in unprotected sex. And even if he does not become violent, the girl will often find herself compelled to 'be nice' to her older partner and give him something in return for all the favours he will be casting her way. The vulnerability of young girls to infection is exacerbated by the fact that they are biologically more susceptible.

Why go for sex with the older guy?

With this grim picture in mind, one wonders why girls still expose themselves to the risk of contracting HIV by engaging in relationships with much older, experienced men. Several factors cause young women to engage in relationships with older men and these are all centered on the need to establish greater economic stability. It may be that she is unemployed and/or orphaned and feels forced to turn to that older person who is in a better position to help her out. It could also be that the girl's parents are still alive and providing for her, but she will feel she needs more including what she does not really need and so will turn to the 'sugar daddy' to provide that, as confirmed several girls in a random street survey.

The behaviour of their peers influences other girls to want to engage with relationships with older men; yet another reason why girls expose themselves to the risk of contracting HIV. All in all there are many conditions that result in relationships between young girls and older men. These situations then lead to economic dependency, in this way promoting teacher-pupil relations, transactional sex, casual sex and commercial sex.

All in all there are many conditions that result in relationships between young girls and older men. These situations then lead to economic dependency, in this way promoting teacher-pupil relations, transactional sex, casual sex and commercial sex.

The fate of Africa 's young generation

The phenomenon of intergenerational sex is driving much of the epidemic in Southern Africa . Between a quarter and a third of older men are HIV infected. Through intergenerational relationships, an even greater number of young people are getting infected. It is up to the parents of young people, especially girls, to warn them about engaging in sexual relationships with older partners. Empowered young people must also appeal for sexual responsibility among older men to avoid relationships based on power. This must happen so the next time that fancy car stops next to that lovely girl, the window rolls down and a grey-haired, clean-shaven man sticks his head out the window with a guileless smile and says "Hey baby, wanna go for a ride?", the girl will reply will an emphatic, "NO, my sugar and ain't for old bees, sugar daddy!".

First published on the web in August 2007 on http://www.infosopswaziland.com

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HIV and the young generation in Swaziland