On World AIDS Day, December 1, the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) underscored the urgent need to address the critical link between violence against women and girls (VAWG) and the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The FWCC’s statement emphasized that these two public health crises are intertwined, with gender inequality and gender-based violence significantly fueling the spread of HIV, particularly among women and girls in Fiji and globally.
HIV/AIDS has tragically claimed over 43.2 million lives worldwide, affecting women and girls disproportionately, especially those aged 15 to 24. In sub-Saharan Africa, young women are three times more likely to contract HIV compared to their male counterparts, underscoring the serious connection between VAWG and increased HIV transmission.
In Fiji alone, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services reported 552 new HIV cases in the first half of 2024, with a significant portion (380 cases) identified in Central Fiji. While the primary transmission route remains sexual intercourse, there is growing concern about HIV transmission linked to needle sharing among drug users, a troubling trend referred to as “Bluetoothing.” The FWCC highlighted that violence against women is both a driver and a consequence of HIV infection in Fiji, revealing that 72% of women experience intimate partner violence in various forms—physical, sexual, or emotional—while one in three women in Fiji faces sexual violence from their partners.
The FWCC condemned violence against women, framing it as a violation of human rights and a public health crisis. They noted that women subjected to violence are more likely to contract HIV, while those living with HIV often endure further abuse. The relationship between sexual violence and HIV transmission is alarming, with the FWCC revealing their support for 204 rape survivors in 2023 alone, including cases of marital and child rape.
In response to these alarming statistics, the FWCC has called for urgent action to combat the dual pandemics of violence against women and HIV. With the launch of the National Action Plan for the Prevention of Violence Against Women in 2024, Fiji has begun to address the root causes of VAWG related to patriarchy and gender inequality. However, the FWCC asserts that a more comprehensive approach is necessary to alleviate the HIV burden among women, emphasizing that strategies addressing gender inequality and violence must be interlinked.
To foster a safer environment for women and girls, the FWCC advocates for improved access to education, health services, and legal protections, while encouraging a society where women feel empowered to speak out against violence. The overarching message from the FWCC is clear: societal norms that sustain violence against women must be dismantled in a bid to make significant progress in preventing HIV and ensuring women’s security and rights.
This article shines a light on the vital intersections of health and human rights, reminding communities of the importance of supporting initiatives that protect vulnerable populations. Hopeful progress is possible when we unite against these crucial challenges, fostering awareness and activism to create a safer, healthier environment for all.
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