Weaving through the intricate realities of the HIV-positive women in Eastern Indonesia: the case of HIV in Nusa Tenggara Barat

HIV cases in Nusa Tenggara Barat, Indonesia, have continued to surge, particularly among the population of subordinated women. However, the analysis of structural inequalities and violation of women’s sexual and reproductive rights are still absent in interventions to address the problem. This research study explored the relationship between the multi-dimension of social identities and structural inequalities of. HIV-positive women in Nusa Tenggara Barat focusing in urban location and for further contextualization using the data from shorter visit in rural area. In this paper, I investigate intersecting multi-layers of HIV-related stigmas and challenges for women to access HIV health care and treatment. I further unpack opportunities for different coping strategies these women have in dealing with the negative implications of living with HIV. The research was conducted with qualitative investigation using in-depth semi-structured interviews to understand the lived experiences of women living with HIV in encountering stigma and discrimination to access adequate sexual and reproductive health and care services using the multi-level intersectionality approach and focusing on co-constructing the knowledge with 12 HIV-positive women. The findings of this research study highlight the significance of recognizing the intricate aspects of the lives of women living with HIV. Therefore, integrated interventions that aim to reduce the multi-dimensional challenges of HIV-positive women require the involvement of intersectoral social actors in advancing sexual and reproductive health and care services for women.