Masters Degrees (Practical Theology and Missiology)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Practical Theology and Missiology) by Author "Bwosh, Samuel D."

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    HIV and AIDS and the stigmatisation of woman by men in Nigeria : a pastoral care intervention strategy
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-04-04) Bwosh, Samuel D.; Penxa-Matholeni, Nobuntu; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Stigma is known as negative beliefs, feelings and attitudes towards people living with HIV (PLHIV), groups associated with PLHIV and other key populations at higher risk of HIV infection. Stigma and discrimination are major barriers to testing, treatment uptake and adherence. (Odimegwu et al, 2017:2) The above quotation is a clear indication that stigma is a terrible phenomenon that causes set-backs in the fight against HIV and AIDS. This research investigates the role of men in the HIV and AIDS stigmatisation discourse from a pastoral care perspective. It is strongly argued that men are key stakeholders and players in the HIV and AIDS stigmatisation against women in Nigeria. Therefore, the research advances an argument that the utilisation of pastoral care in addressing the role of men in the HIV and AIDS stigmatisation against women, is a necessity. The study discusses at length the concept of stigma. It determined that it is one of the many factors which boost the spread of the HIV and AIDS epidemic. The research also revealed that cultural, political, social, and religious factors sometimes aggravate the situation of women. Harmful cultural practices, especially patriarchy, were discovered to be major vehicles of stigmatisation against women in Nigeria, also increasing women’s vulnerability to HIV and AIDS. The study argues that pastoral care and counselling is the best response to the menace of HIV and AIDS stigmatisation. To elicit information that would assist in arriving at a reliable conclusion, the research employed a qualitative research methodology, using the practical theological framework of Richard Osmer (2008). The study further engaged relevant literature in theology, psychology, and other appropriate disciplines. The motivation for this research emanated from the fact that women, like their male counterparts, are created in the image of God and, therefore, deserve to be treated with love, respect, and a high sense of decorum and propriety at all times, and more so when they are facing the challenge of HIV and AIDS or any illness. The research concludes that HIV and AIDS stigmatisation against women constitutes a significant threat to their fundamental human dignity. Consequently, recommendations are put forward to generate fundamental knowledge and awareness in the church and how it can objectively and urgently address the threat of HIV and AIDS stigmatisation of women by men.