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Although some abductions are consensual and arranged, reports indicate that in forced marriages adolescent females are raped, emotionally and psychologically abused. Patriarchal attitude of parents and poverty stricken backgrounds are among factors contributing towards "ukuthwala''. Drawing from gender-strain and social-exchange theories, vulnerable girls are being sold by parents for poverty relief, without considering that owing to lack of negotiation of safe sex between the girls and abductors, HIV/AIDS transmission is likely. This research paper accumulated previous research studies as a form of methodology to explore the socio-cultural influences driving males to abduct girls. The aim of this study is to caution the societies which justify the constitutionally unacceptable sexual behaviour of males because the majority of girls in forced marriages experience low self -esteem, PTSD, unprepared motherhood and develop neurotic personality. Given the findings of this research, recommendations are that anyone contravening the laws which protect the rights of women and children to education, security and integrity be imprisoned.

The HIV/AIDS has emerged through the last three decades as the most devastating epidemic humankind has ever faced. In the Eastern Cape, HIV/AIDS is rife and the forecast is that HIV/AIDS will have devastating effects among university students unless they change their sexual-behaviour. This research study attempted to highlight the socio-cultural factors which are responsible for HIV/AIDS transmission within the University of Fort Hare with the aim to mobilize and actively involve the students into practicing safe sex. The findings revealed that traditional male circumcision, dry sex, traditional practices, patriarchy, patterns of sexual relationships and drug and alcohol abuse, spread the HIV/AIDS transmission. By means of action research, the collaboration that existed among the professional nurses at the Health Care Center and a team of dedicated Psychology lecturers revealed that the campaigns and workshops which advocate healthy sexual practices could have the propensity to the decline of sexually transmitted infections. The recommendations are that; during welcome-parties for the firstyear students and other social events within the campus, the Health Center must be open to access condoms. Furthermore, since these functions take place on weekends in most cases, field workers should be redeployed to distribute condoms.

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