AIDS: The Woman’s Story travels to Kenya, Brazil, and Thailand to tell the personal stories of women with AIDS. Set against a background of the disease, poverty, and social subjugation, this is a story of vitality, willpower, and women who dare fight against reigning cultural and religious traditions. Most women become HIV-infected by their husbands, who can demand sex any time they want it. Many had not heard of the disease until they were diagnosed with it. And many are left widows before they become very ill. Monique from Nairobi says, “If I had to choose between the antiviral drugs or changing the mentality of men, I would choose the mentality. Because while taking the drugs, you still need support, love, and care, so the attitude has to change.” While these women have made progress in their communities, there is still much to be done at the national level. The documentary asks why AIDS prevention is not more of a priority in many underdeveloped countries. It looks at how existing structures of power and influence can make a difference at the international level. Former President Bill Clinton discusses how this global epidemic affects all of us — economically, if not physically. Clinton convinced President Mbeki of South Africa of the need to place AIDS at the top of his political agenda, proving that international solidarity in the fight against AIDS can deliver impressive results.
Question
1. After reading the story, How would you respond at the individual, group, family, and community levels as a social worker? What policies are needed at the organizational level? Please be detailed with your response.
Question 2
As a social worker, What influences you about colonization and your ability to empathize or make choices?
Question 3
How can concepts of colonization and decolonization inform your practice as a hospice Social worker?
