Using data from the Demographic Health Survey, this study examines the question of whether and why there are gender variations in the HIV/AIDS related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and practices in sub-Saharan Africa. Females differ from men in significant ways in terms of their HIV/AIDS related beliefs, attitudes, and practices. These differences can be understood within the social and cultural contexts in which these females live. A gender-based response to HIV/AIDS that focuses on how different social expectations, roles, status and economic power of men and women affect and are affected by the epidemic is needed to ensure a meaningful campaign against the spread of AID