Table 2 Coding framework

NGO Workers

NGO Workers’ Positive Representations of the Human Rights Approach

Effective Strategy for HIV Prevention

• Necessary for addressing the complex drivers of the HIV epidemic

• Raises awareness about discrimination and inequality

Means of accessing resources

• Way of getting support and funds from donors

NGO Workers’ Negative Representations of the Human Rights Approach

Conflicts with Cultural and Religious Values

• Lack of flexibility in implementation due to need to conform to donor agency agendas

• Messages viewed as encouraging disrespect of parents and elders

Structural Limitations to Effectiveness

• Weak and ineffective legal system

Youth

Youth’s Positive Representations of the Human Rights Approach

Engaging Activities Used to Disseminate Messages

• Interesting and enjoyable concerts, dramas, and other events

• Opportunities to gain information on HIV and sexual health

Participatory in Nature

• Opportunities to interact and discuss issues with other youth

• Consideration for youth’s opinions, rather than top-down behavioral proscriptions from “experts”

Youth’s Negative Representations of the Human Rights Approach

Conflict with Cultural and Religious Values

• Messages viewed as encouraging disrespect of parents and elders

• Human rights as an “un-Zambian” Western concept

Failure to Address Youth’s Priorities and Day-to-Day Realities

• Dependence on family structures for material support and survival

• Lack of job and education opportunities

• Poverty and unemployment as risk factors for HIV

Women

Women’s Positive Representations of the Human Rights Approach

Basis for Challenging Oppression and Mistreatment

• Opportunities to discuss previously taboo topics regarding harmful traditional practices

• Grounds for objecting to harmful sexual practices

• Protection from domestic violence and abuse

Women’s Negative Representations of the Human Rights Approach

Conflict with Cultural and Religious Values

• Messages viewed as encouraging women to defy their husbands and disrupt marital harmony

• Human rights as an “un-Zambian” Western concept

Failure to Address Women’s Priorities and Day-to-Day Realities

• Dependence on husband for material support and survival

• Disconnect with unmarried human rights champions

• Poverty and unemployment as risk factors for HIV

Men-Who-Have-Sex-With-Men (MSM)

MSM’s Positive Representations of the Human Rights Approach

Promoting Urgently Needed Change

• Current environment of extreme discrimination and lack of rights

• Traditional religious and cultural values that stigmatize homosexuality

Platform for Challenging Discrimination

• Human rights approach used to promote equality

• Human rights approach used to expose abuses

Effective Community Mobilization

• Bringing together the MSM community to advocate for rights

• Creation of support networks and safe spaces

MSM’s Negative Representations of the Human Rights Approach

Challenges Limiting Effectiveness

• Weak legal system incapable of defending rights

• Inadequate funding

• Implementation of approach done in a way that is too confrontational with traditional cultural and religious values