Empowered woman standing strong against cervical cancer risks.

‘No Condom, No Sex’: A Harsh Reality for South African Women?

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Research reveals the challenging power dynamics that hinder women's ability to protect themselves against cervical cancer."

Cervical cancer remains a significant health threat to women worldwide, with the human papillomavirus (HPV) identified as a primary risk factor. While consistent condom use is a proven method for preventing HPV transmission, its effectiveness hinges on mutual consent and cooperation.

A 2010 study conducted in Tshwane, South Africa, sheds light on the difficulties women encounter when attempting to assert their right to safe sex. The research delves into the experiences of Black women and their ability to insist on condom use, revealing a complex interplay of knowledge gaps, societal pressures, and gender dynamics.

This article examines the study's findings, exploring the challenges these women face in protecting themselves against cervical cancer and the broader implications for public health initiatives and women's empowerment strategies. By understanding these barriers, we can work towards creating a future where all women have the autonomy to make informed choices about their sexual health.

What Are The Key Barriers Preventing Condom Use?

Empowered woman standing strong against cervical cancer risks.

The research uncovered a web of interconnected factors that limited women's ability to insist on condom use. These barriers fall into several key categories:

Lack of Awareness: A significant lack of knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV. Many women were unaware of the link between HPV and cervical cancer, or that condom use could offer protection.

Misconceptions: There's a prevalence of misconceptions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Many women incorrectly associated STIs solely with HIV/AIDS or gonorrhea, underestimating the risk of HPV.
Power Imbalances: There are cultural norms and gender dynamics. Many women felt unable to negotiate condom use due to fear of angering or upsetting their partners.
Economic Dependency: Financial constraints and reliance on partners. Some women were economically dependent on their partners, making it difficult to assert their needs for fear of jeopardizing their financial security.
Fear of Violence: Threat of abuse and violence. The most alarming factor was the threat of physical or emotional abuse if women insisted on condom use. This fear effectively silenced their ability to protect themselves.

These findings underscore the urgent need for multifaceted interventions that address both the knowledge gap and the underlying power imbalances that perpetuate women's vulnerability.

Empowering Women for a Healthier Future

The study's findings present a clear call to action. Effective cervical cancer prevention requires more than just promoting condom use. It demands a holistic approach that empowers women with knowledge, agency, and resources. By addressing the root causes of vulnerability, we can pave the way for a future where all women have the right and the ability to protect their health and well-being.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4102/hsag.v15i1.506, Alternate LINK

Title: ‘No Condom, No Sex’: Easy To Say, But Not Possible For All South African Women

Subject: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Journal: Health SA Gesondheid

Publisher: AOSIS

Authors: Johanna E. Maree

Published: 2010-11-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is the connection between cervical cancer, HPV, and condom use?

Cervical cancer is a significant health threat, and the human papillomavirus (HPV) is its primary risk factor. Consistent condom use is a proven method for preventing HPV transmission, yet its effectiveness relies on mutual consent and cooperation. The study in Tshwane, South Africa, examined the challenges Black women face in insisting on condom use, exploring the complex interplay of knowledge gaps, societal pressures, and gender dynamics that affect their ability to protect themselves against cervical cancer.

What are the main obstacles preventing women from insisting on condom use?

The key barriers preventing condom use include a lack of awareness about cervical cancer and HPV, misconceptions about STIs, power imbalances, economic dependency, and the threat of violence. Many women were unaware of the link between HPV and cervical cancer, or that condom use could offer protection. Cultural norms and gender dynamics often left women feeling unable to negotiate condom use. Financial constraints and the threat of physical or emotional abuse further limited their ability to insist on safe sex practices.

How do power imbalances affect a woman's ability to negotiate safe sex practices?

Power imbalances hinder women's ability to negotiate safe sex practices by creating an environment where they fear angering or upsetting their partners. The study highlighted that women's ability to insist on condom use was significantly affected by these factors. Gender dynamics and cultural norms play a role in creating situations where women feel they cannot voice their needs. This power dynamic contributes to their vulnerability to HPV and, consequently, cervical cancer.

Why is the study conducted in Tshwane, South Africa, so important?

The study in Tshwane, South Africa, is significant because it highlights the complex interplay of factors impacting women's ability to protect themselves against cervical cancer. It underscores the urgent need for multifaceted interventions. These interventions must address both the knowledge gap about HPV and cervical cancer and the underlying power imbalances that perpetuate women's vulnerability. The findings emphasize that effective cervical cancer prevention goes beyond simply promoting condom use; it requires a comprehensive approach to empower women.

What steps can be taken to empower women and improve cervical cancer prevention?

To empower women for a healthier future, effective cervical cancer prevention requires a holistic approach. This involves providing women with knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer. It also includes fostering agency, and providing resources to address the root causes of vulnerability. This includes addressing knowledge gaps, challenging societal pressures, and promoting gender equality. Only by addressing these multifaceted issues can we create a future where all women have the right and ability to protect their health and well-being. This holistic approach is vital for improving women's health outcomes.