The value of beadwork for women living with HIV/AIDS

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2010

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South African Journal of Occupational Therapy

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University of Cape Town

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Abstract
Prejudice and stigma against people living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa often mean that people infected with HIV are excluded from formal employment. Women, who experience the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa1 and the highest incidence rate in South Africa2, also in many cases, have to look after families as single parents. As a result of this, women living with HIV/AIDS often become part of the informal sector, earning income through crafts such as beadwork. This qualitative study explored the way in which women living with HIV/AIDS experience beading as an income generating occupation within the Positive Beadwork Project (PBP), an initiative of the Kidzpositive Family Fund. Five women were interviewed using both in-depth individual interviews and focus groups. Seven themes emerged from the data: Guaranteed income; Skill development; Beadwork sparks creativity; Sharing and support; Fulfilment of roles; Beadwork is challenging and Lack of community support.
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