Abstract
This study assesses the impact of gender differences in HIV
status on labour
productivity in South Africa by disaggregating HIV prevalence data by gender. Th e
study builds on existing empirical studies on HIV and economic phenomena in the
labour market. The study contributes to the literature by applying a quantile regression
model for six conditional quantiles so that these gender effects can be analysed.
Employing the quantile regression model to conduct the analyses, t he empirical results
indicate that HIV has a negative effect on men’s labour productivity at all quantiles of
productivity , while women , unexpectedly experience a positive impact. This study
outline s the possible explanations for these contrasting effects, such as women’s
higher responsibility in the household, their higher accepta nce of treatment compared
to men as well as the practice of seeking antenatal care and better health practices
which could contribute to not only earlier detection and prevention but positive
productivity outcomes among women . Additionally, the challenges of discrimination
and gender inequality faced by women may force them to be even more productive
when infected wi th HIV. The research highlights the need for tailored interventions and
policies for both m en and women to address the disparities observed.