On December 1, as the world commemorated World AIDS Day, the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) raised concerns regarding the alarming connection between violence against women and girls (VAWG) and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The FWCC emphasized that these two crises are intertwined, with gender inequality and violence exacerbating the spread of HIV, particularly among women and girls in Fiji and globally.
According to statistics, HIV/AIDS has claimed over 43.2 million lives worldwide, with young women aged 15 to 24 disproportionately affected. In sub-Saharan Africa, for instance, young women in this demographic are three times more likely to contract HIV compared to their male counterparts. In Fiji, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services recorded 552 new HIV cases within the first half of 2024, predominantly in Central Fiji. While sexual transmission is the primary route of HIV transmission, around 15% of these new cases are attributed to needle-sharing among injecting drug users, a practice locally termed “Bluetoothing.”
The FWCC pointed out that violence against women is both a factor contributing to and a consequence of HIV infection. A disturbing 72% of women in Fiji endure forms of intimate partner violence, and one in three women experience sexual violence from their partners. The FWCC stated, “Violence against women and girls is not just a violation of their human rights; it is also a public health crisis.”
In the past year, the FWCC has supported numerous survivors of sexual violence, including 204 rape survivors. The organization is advocating for immediate actions to tackle both the HIV crisis and violence against women. They highlighted the newly launched National Action Plan for the Prevention of Violence Against Women (NAP), which identifies patriarchy and gender inequality as fundamental issues.
The FWCC asserts that fighting gender inequality, VAWG, and HIV/AIDS cannot be done in silos. A comprehensive strategy that merges HIV prevention with measures against violence is essential. They called for enhanced access to education, health services, and legal protections for women, encouraging an environment where women feel safe to speak out.
In conclusion, the FWCC urges society to foster a culture of awareness that dismantles the norms enabling men’s violence against women and girls. Collective efforts in addressing these interconnected issues can lead to significant progress in preventing HIV, ending violence against women, and securing a future where women and girls can live free from fear and discrimination.
This call for action is a hopeful reminder of the power of community mobilization and awareness in combating these serious issues. By uniting efforts and resources, both locally and globally, positive change is within reach, paving the way for a healthier and more equitable society for all.
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