AIDS is among the leading causes of mortality in women of childbearing age, demonstrating the extent to which this infection has reached the female population. This research aimed at understanding the role of work in responding to AIDS among women. The survey was conducted in the Humanitarian Group of Incentive Life (GHIV), with 10 women, aged between 27 and 57 years and duration of seropositivity between 5 and 10 years. Analysis of the contents of the full transcript of the interviews have identified the following themes: meanings of work, psychosocial support prejudice, treatment and absenteeism as a result, work is seen as a place of welcome and support, but also a hostile environment, with prejudice still visible. The need to develop programs in institutions in order to minimize stigmatization and discrimination is seen as an alternative to maintaining the quality of life of people living with HIV.
HIV/AIDS; work; woman
