Using feminist theory and comparative analysis, this thesis investigates why women in sub-Saharan Africa are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS than men. Through two case studies -- one on Uganda where the HIV prevalence rate has dropped considerably in recent years, and one on Botswana, where the HIV prevalence rate has drastically increased in recent years - this document focuses on women's vulnerability to HIV, how vulnerability can be counteracted, and how these counteractive efforts are implemented by women and state governments.