As the global community marked World AIDS Day on December 1, the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) raised critical awareness about the alarming connection between violence against women and girls (VAWG) and the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In a recent statement, FWCC described how these two issues are intricately linked, especially highlighting how gender inequality and violence contribute significantly to the transmission of HIV, particularly impacting women and girls in Fiji and worldwide.
The statistics are sobering—HIV/AIDS has claimed over 43.2 million lives globally, with young women aged 15 to 24 disproportionately affected. In sub-Saharan Africa, young women in this demographic are three times more likely to contract HIV compared to young men. The impact of violence against women on the spread of HIV is undeniable, raising urgency around this dual crisis.
In Fiji, between January and June 2024, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services documented 552 new HIV cases, with the majority—380—occurring in Central Fiji. While sexual transmission is the primary route of infection, a concerning 15% of new cases stem from shared needles among injecting drug users, a phenomenon known locally as “Bluetoothing.” The FWCC emphasizes that violence against women serves both as a precursor and consequence of HIV infection.
Startling findings from the FWCC’s National Prevalence Study reveal that 72% of women in Fiji have experienced intimate partner violence, while one in three has suffered sexual violence, often from spouses or partners. The FWCC stresses that violence against women not only infringes on human rights but also exacerbates public health issues, as women who experience violence are more prone to contract HIV, and those living with the virus are at increased risk of further abuse.
The relationship between sexual violence and HIV transmission is especially troubling. In 2023, the FWCC provided support to 204 rape survivors, including 115 cases of marital rape, 61 child rape survivors, and 28 women assaulted in other contexts. This ongoing violence illustrates the urgent need for comprehensive action to combat both VAWG and HIV/AIDS.
Fiji launched its National Action Plan for the Prevention of Violence Against Women (NAP) in 2024, recognizing the root causes of VAWG, such as patriarchy and gender inequality. However, the FWCC insists that more action is necessary to effectively reduce the HIV burden among women. Efforts must integrate HIV prevention alongside initiatives aimed at combating violence against women.
To make real progress, the FWCC calls for addressing the underlying causes of violence, enhancing support services for women and girls, and empowering them with the resources needed to advocate for their health and rights. Improving access to education, healthcare, legal protection, and creating a safe space for women to speak out against violence are vital steps in this process.
In summary, the FWCC concludes with a strong call to action, advocating for a cultural shift that dismantles societal norms enabling violence against women. By fostering an environment of awareness and support, the goal is to mitigate the dual crises of HIV and violence against women, allowing individuals to live in safety and dignity.
The focus on intervention highlights a hopeful outlook, suggesting that with sustained effort and community support, progress can be made toward addressing these intertwined issues.
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