On December 1, World AIDS Day was observed globally, and the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) raised critical concerns about the troubling connection between violence against women and girls (VAWG) and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The FWCC highlighted that both issues are interconnected, with gender inequality and various forms of violence playing significant roles in the spread of HIV, particularly affecting women and girls in Fiji and worldwide.
HIV/AIDS has claimed over 43.2 million lives globally, and women, especially those aged 15 to 24, face a disproportionately higher risk. In sub-Saharan Africa, young women in this age group are three times more likely to contract HIV compared to their male counterparts. The FWCC emphasized the undeniable link between VAWG and HIV transmission.
In Fiji, recent statistics from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services revealed that there were 552 new HIV cases reported from January to June 2024, predominantly in Central Fiji. While sexual transmission remains the leading cause of new infections, concerningly, 15 percent of cases are traced back to needle sharing among injecting drug users, a practice referred to as “Bluetoothing.” The FWCC pointed out that violence against women in Fiji exacerbates the HIV crisis, acting both as a cause and a consequence of infection.
According to a National Prevalence Study by the FWCC, an alarming 72 percent of women in Fiji experience intimate partner violence, and one in three women have suffered sexual violence from a partner. The FWCC asserted that violence is not only a severe violation of human rights but also a pressing public health concern. Women who endure violence face a heightened risk of contracting HIV, and those living with the virus may face further abuse.
The link between sexual violence and HIV transmission is particularly alarming. In 2023, the FWCC supported 204 survivors of rape, with a significant number involving marital rape and child victims. In response to these intertwined challenges, the FWCC is calling for immediate action and comprehensive strategies to address both VAWG and the HIV epidemic.
In 2024, Fiji launched the National Action Plan for the Prevention of Violence Against Women (NAP), acknowledging patriarchy and gender inequality as fundamental causes of such violence. Nevertheless, the FWCC stresses the need for a more extensive effort to alleviate the burdens of HIV among women through an integrated approach that addresses both prevention and violence against women.
The FWCC urges that tackling gender inequality, VAWG, and HIV/AIDS must be considered comprehensive initiatives rather than isolated issues. They advocate for improved access to education, healthcare, legal protections, and an environment that encourages women to voice their experiences of violence.
In conclusion, the FWCC calls for a cultural shift to dismantle societal norms that allow violence against women and girls to persist. By fostering awareness and support, meaningful progress can be made towards preventing HIV, eradicating violence against women, and ensuring that women and girls can live securely, free from harm and discrimination.
This initiative presents a positive opportunity for Fiji to strengthen its commitment to women’s rights and health, paving the way for a more equitable society. By addressing these intertwined issues head-on, there is hope for a healthier and safer future for women and girls in Fiji.
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