Role of new technologies

Some new technologies are being developed and promoted for contraception and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly HIV and AIDS. These include the female condom and microbicides. Both these technologies have been promoted as solutions for women who lack the negotiating power to insist that their male partners wear condoms. It has been proposed that microbicides may even be used without the knowledge of the penetrating partner.

Although a technical fix is not a solution to gender inequalities in sexual interactions, such technologies may help reduce transmission of HIV and AIDS and other STIs, as well as providing the means for women to take control over their sexual health. Research ranging from Brazil to Sri Lanka has shown high levels of acceptability of the female condom and preference for it over the conventional condom by both women and men.

The main obstacle to greater use of the female condom at present is its significantly higher cost than the "male" condom. With microbicides, the main challenge is to develop a safe and effective technology, as well as increasing investment from the private sector to ensure its viability.

More and better technologies are no substitute for rights. However, they can make it easier for people to protect themselves and each other, as well as providing new possibilities for pleasure in safer sex. Sexual and reproductive rights also place an obligation on policymakers to invest in research and health systems to enable affordable access to these new technologies.