As World AIDS Day was marked on December 1, the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) raised concerns regarding the critical link between violence against women and girls (VAWG) and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In a public statement, FWCC emphasized that these two global issues are interconnected, with gender inequality and violence significantly fueling the spread of HIV, particularly among women and girls both in Fiji and worldwide.
HIV/AIDS has taken a staggering toll on human life, claiming more than 43.2 million lives globally. Young women aged between 15 to 24 years are especially vulnerable, facing a disproportionately high risk of infection. In sub-Saharan Africa, they are three times more likely to contract HIV compared to their male peers, highlighting the urgent need to address this issue.
In Fiji, recent statistics from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services revealed 552 new HIV cases reported from January to June 2024, with Central Fiji witnessing the highest incidence at 380 cases. While the primary mode of transmission is sexual, around 15 percent of new infections are attributed to needle sharing among injecting drug users—a practice referred to as “Bluetoothing.” This trend complicates efforts to combat the HIV crisis further.
FWCC underscored that violence against women is both a cause and a consequence of HIV infection, with 72 percent of women in Fiji experiencing intimate partner violence in various forms. Alarmingly, one in three women has encountered sexual violence from their partners. “Violence against women and girls is not only a violation of their human rights but also a public health emergency,” stated FWCC.
The link between sexual violence, including cases of marital rape, and HIV transmission is particularly concerning. In 2023, FWCC provided support to numerous survivors, including 204 rape victims, with a notable number being cases of marital rape.
To combat these interconnected crises, FWCC called for urgent and coordinated action. The National Action Plan for the Prevention of Violence Against Women (NAP), launched in 2024, recognized patriarchy and gender inequality as key underlying factors. However, FWCC insisted that more must be done to mitigate HIV’s impact on women, advocating for a multifaceted response that combines HIV prevention with strategies to combat violence against women.
FWCC emphasized that addressing gender inequality, VAWG, and HIV/AIDS requires an integrated approach. “We must tackle the root causes of violence and provide extensive support and services to empower women and girls to safeguard their health and rights,” they stated. This includes enhancing access to education, health services, legal protections, and fostering a supportive environment for women to speak out against violence.
In conclusion, FWCC urged society to cultivate a culture of awareness and support that challenges harmful societal norms perpetuating violence against women. By working together, meaningful progress can be made to prevent HIV, end violence against women, and ensure that women and girls can live free from fear and discrimination.
This call to action conveys hope for change and the possibility of a safer, healthier future for women and girls in Fiji and beyond. Advocating for these issues can promote systemic change, ultimately leading to significant improvements in public health and women’s rights.
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