On December 1, as the world marked World AIDS Day, the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) voiced its concerns regarding the alarming link between violence against women and girls (VAWG) and the ongoing HIV/AIDS crisis. In a recent statement, the FWCC emphasized that both issues are closely intertwined, with gender inequality and violence playing significant roles in the transmission of HIV, notably among women and girls in Fiji and globally.
With over 43.2 million lives lost to HIV/AIDS worldwide, it’s evident that young women, particularly those aged 15 to 24, face a disproportionate risk. In sub-Saharan Africa, this age group is three times more likely to contract HIV compared to their male counterparts. This connection between VAWG and the increasing rates of HIV infection cannot be overlooked.
In Fiji, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services reported 552 new HIV cases in the first half of 2024, with Central Fiji seeing the largest number at 380. While the primary mode of transmission remains sexual, 15% of the new cases are due to needle sharing among injecting drug users, a circumstance referred to as “Bluetoothing,” which complicates the country’s efforts to combat the epidemic.
The FWCC’s National Prevalence Study revealed startling statistics: 72% of women in Fiji have endured intimate partner violence, with one in three women experiencing sexual violence from their spouses or partners. The FWCC pointed out that this violence is not only a violation of human rights but also a pressing public health concern. Women subjected to violence face a higher likelihood of contracting HIV, while those living with HIV often encounter further abuse.
The issue of sexual violence, including marital rape, is a particularly harrowing aspect of this crisis. In 2023, FWCC provided support to 204 rape survivors, including significant cases of marital rape, child rape, and other assaults.
In response to these intertwined crises, the FWCC has called for urgent action. Fiji’s National Action Plan for the Prevention of Violence Against Women, launched in 2024, acknowledges the patriarchal structures and gender inequality fueling VAWG. However, FWCC asserts that more comprehensive efforts are necessary to reduce the HIV burden on women, advocating for an integrated approach to tackle both HIV prevention and violence against women.
“Addressing gender inequality, VAWG, and HIV/AIDS requires a collective effort,” stated the FWCC. They stressed the importance of tackling the root causes of violence, providing critical support services for women and girls, and promoting education and legal protections to create a society where women feel safe to speak out.
In conclusion, the FWCC urges that fostering a culture of awareness and support is essential to dismantle societal norms that perpetuate violence against women and girls. Only through these concerted efforts can meaningful progress be made in preventing HIV, ending violence, and ensuring women and girls can live free from harm and discrimination.
This article highlights a critical intersection of health and human rights issues, underlining the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to these intertwined crises. The call for action offers a positive pathway forward, emphasizing the importance of community support and awareness in tackling these systemic problems. It is hopeful that with sustained effort, there can be substantial advancements in both women’s rights and public health outcomes in Fiji and beyond.
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