Why I Choose To Be Faithful
South African Man Promotes Gender Equality and Faithfulness to Halt Spread of AIDS
Adrian Mogano, a 29-year old accountant originally from Johannesburg, truly believes in being faithful. As a boy and young man, he witnessed the devastating effects of men who were not faithful to their wives. Adrian often heard the family living next door yelling, screaming and breaking things, mainly because the husband was cheating on his wife. The man started drinking too much, stepped in front of a passing car and died.
At an early age, Adrian decided that he wanted only one sexual partner for life. At 19, he met an amazing woman who became his first and only girlfriend. After 10 years, he has always been and is still faithful to her.
In April 2007, a friend introduced Adrian to EngenderHealth’s Men as Partners (MAP) program in South Africa. USAID supports the project with funding from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
Adrian thought the approach of guys talking to guys about important issues—including sexual responsibilities—was revolutionary.
Adrian really liked the messages – about being partners in relationships and communities. He says, “Too many men are not faithful to their wives and girlfriends and HIV is spreading like wildfire.” Adrian applied for a job with EngenderHealth and is now an accountant for the Men As Partners program. “I like the MAP campaign about how men need to and can change our cultures; that men need to take a stand and challenge other men to be healthier for ourselves, partners and communities.”
Adrian often challenges male friends and family members about the importance of being faithful. He emphasizes the need for men to limit the spread and impact of HIV/AIDS and prevent gender-based violence. He recently found a number of rural men criticizing a woman for wearing a mini-skirt; accusing her of “asking to be raped”. Adrian spoke out against the condemnation, saying, “No woman asks to be raped.” He reminded the men that all women have equal rights – just like men – and should treated with respect.
