Zimbabwe Hair Salons Sell Female Condoms in Attempt to ‘Empower’ Women to Protect Themselves Against HIV, STDs
Some Zimbabwe hair salons, in an attempt to fight HIV/AIDS in the area, have begun selling the female condom, the Africa News Service/Daily News reports. Salons in Harare and Mutare are participating in the program that aims to ensure that all area women can purchase female condoms in a "friendly and relaxed environment." Tendai Chakanyuka, the Population Services International communications officer for Zimbabwe, said, "Hairdressing salons are a good meeting point for women, given that almost all working women visit a salon at least once a week. Given the amount of time they spend with their clients and the excellent communication skills they engage when dealing with clients, hairdressers make great peer educators." Chakanyuka added that she hoped the program would "empowe[r]" women to protect themselves from HIV and other STDs and reduce the stigma associated with condom use. Zimbabwe, where 2,500 individuals die each week from AIDS-related illnesses, has one of the highest HIV infection rates worldwide (Mavhunga, Africa News Service/Daily News, 6/4).
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