Some of the social norms that define male and female roles encourage harmful behaviors, especially in the areas of sexual relations. Working with men, women and young people to change some of their attitudes and behaviors has enormous potential to change the course of the HIV epidemic.
Parents can be powerful reinforcers of more positive roles for both men and women.
Parents, relatives, teachers and other adults can help young boys and girls learn about and discuss gender roles and sexual decision making. Issues of concern to many young people, such as puberty, masturbation, sexual image, self esteem, gender identity, relating to the opposite sex, attraction to the same sex and the age of sexual initiation, can be discussed. Boys, who often pretend they know a great deal about sex but in reality are uninformed or misinformed, can be encouraged to face their fears and anxieties about having sex. Young men can discuss concerns such as penis size and sexual performance. Young girls can discuss concerns about issues such as sexual reputation and the risks of pregnancy.