On December 1, World AIDS Day drew attention to critical issues surrounding the intersection of violence against women and the HIV/AIDS pandemic, as emphasized by the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC). The organization has raised concerns over how these two crises are intertwined, highlighting that gender inequality and violence significantly contribute to the spread of HIV, particularly impacting women and girls in Fiji and globally.
HIV/AIDS has had a devastating global impact, claiming over 43.2 million lives, disproportionately affecting women and girls aged 15 to 24. In sub-Saharan Africa, young women in this demographic are three times more likely to acquire HIV compared to young men. This alarming statistic showcases the undeniable link between violence against women and higher rates of HIV transmission.
In Fiji, recent data from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services shows 552 new HIV cases reported from January to June 2024, with a majority occurring in Central Fiji. While sexual transmission remains the predominant mode of infection, about 15 percent of new cases are related to needle sharing among injecting drug users, a troubling practice referred to as “Bluetoothing.” The FWCC stresses that violence against women plays a dual role as both a contributing factor and a consequence of HIV infections.
According to the FWCC’s National Prevalence Study, a staggering 72 percent of women in Fiji have experienced intimate partner violence, with one in three women subjected to sexual violence by their partners. The FWCC asserts that violence against women is not only a violation of human rights but also a public health crisis, as women facing violence are more susceptible to contracting HIV, while those living with HIV are at an increased risk of further abuse.
In 2023, the FWCC supported 204 survivors of rape, highlighting the critical nature of sexual violence, including marital rape, which significantly escalates the risk of HIV transmission. In response to these dual crises, the FWCC has called for urgent and integrated action to address both violence against women and HIV/AIDS.
The launch of Fiji’s National Action Plan for the Prevention of Violence Against Women in 2024 marks a positive step toward addressing systemic issues rooted in patriarchy and gender inequality. However, the FWCC stresses that more comprehensive efforts are vital to tackling the HIV burden among women, proposing a multifaceted approach that includes HIV prevention, combating violence against women, and empowering women and girls.
The FWCC concludes with a call to action, underscoring the importance of fostering a culture of awareness that dismantles societal norms sustaining violence against women and girls. By addressing these interconnected issues, there is a hopeful opportunity for meaningful progress, ensuring that women and girls can live free from violence and discrimination while effectively tackling the HIV epidemic.
In summary, the FWCC highlights the critical intersection between violence against women and the HIV/AIDS crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat both issues simultaneously in Fiji and beyond.
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