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Communication with sexual partners on the risk of HIV/AIDS infection and its relation to risk-taking was examined in a group of young single women who have been removed from school and apprenticed to a seamstress in Cotonou, Benin. Twenty women aged 15 to 24 were interviewed. Results showed that more than half the women had already discussed HIV/AIDS with their partners. This discussion, always initiated by the woman, progresses until the ultimate goal is achieved: discussion of practicing safer sex. Women who openly communicated with their partners possessed certain common characteristics (e.g. they were born in Cotonou, seeking marriage or financial assistance, had a perception of risk, had discussions with friends). Those who communicated the most reported that practicing safer sex consisted of using a condom, which still remains an occasional practice at best.