A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Gender and Development Studies, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2013

This study addresses women{u2019}s sexual negotiation power in sexual relationships in serodiscordant couples. The study is conducted in the Mahasarakham province in North-Eastern of Thailand. The research study analyzes the relation of gender power and gender norms in sexual negotiation in sero-discordant couples, in searching of optimal strategies to enhance women{u2019}s sexual negotiation. The subjects are divided into three groups; 1) sero-positive women, 2) sero-negative women and 3) sero-discordant couples (one member is positive status and one member is negative status).Including two groups of key informants who provided expertise and practical perspectives to the study, which are; 1) people who living with HIV/AIDS leaders (PLWHA) and volunteer in the self-help groups, and 2) a nurse or officer in the hospitals regarding with PLWHA. There are two data collection methods used, which are in-depth interviews (IDIs) and key informant interviews (KIIs). The study found that gender sexual norms play important roles in sexual relationships of sero-discordant couples. It barred women from exercising negotiating power to protect themselves and their partners from infection and well being. Majority of women participants are lack of confident to negotiate in sexual relationship with their first husbands. Women are traditionally kept away from sexual act. They are internalized and portrayal good women{u2019}s image which is expected to not discuss about sex. The women are sexually oppressed. Moreover, their knowledge about sexually transmitted disease with reproductive system is insufficient. Evidence shows that sero-positive women are more willing to reveal their HIV/AIDS status. Apparently, the success in disclosure of the HIV/AIDS status increases women{u2019}s negotiating power. It prevents them from super infection and transmission, as well as improves their health. In addition women gain better sexual negotiation power by acquiring knowledge and information on HIV/AIDS either provided by self-health groups or health care services in the local hospital. The study finds that imparted HIV/AIDS knowledge and positive status disclosure with their partner, can encourage women to be more effective in sexual negotiating.