Addressing the Dual Epidemics of Gender-Based Violence and HIV
- Karabo Makgato
The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) with key partners convened a pivotal workshop in Johannesburg on 19 June 2025 under the theme: “The Intersection of Gender-Based Violence and HIV: Impact of Dual Epidemics on Health Outcomes.” The workshop brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, development agencies, and affected communities to unpack the entrenched link between Gender-Based Violence and femicide (GBVF) and HIV, and to collectively map out solutions.
The goal of the workshop was to strengthen collaboration in identifying gaps in South Africa’s current response to GBV and HIV, support the implementation of existing strategies, map available services, and plan future activities addressing their intersectionality. Specific objectives included exploring the prevalence and impact of GBV and HIV in South Africa; as well as sharing lived experiences to better understand the varied impacts of GBV across populations amongst others.
Setting the tone for the meeting, Dr. Mpumi Zungu from the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) delivered a compelling presentation on the empirical evidence linking GBV and HIV in South Africa. Drawing from national data, Dr. Zungu shared sobering statistics, including:
- Women who experience GBV are 1.5 times more likely to contract HIV.
- A staggering 75% of men reported experiencing physical abuse during childhood.
- The national HIV prevalence stands at 12.7%, with significantly higher rates among women (16.3%) compared to men (8.8%).
Dr. Zungu emphasized the urgent need to integrate trauma-informed care, promote early interventions, and challenge harmful gender norms as essential components of an effective and holistic response to both GBV and HIV.
Ms Shoki Tshabalala, DDG for the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) delivered a comprehensive presentation focusing on its plans and programmes to combat GBVF and the implementation of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on GBVF. The presentation covered the six pillars of the NSP, including accountability and leadership, prevention, justice and safety, response and healing, economic empowerment, and research. The DWYPD further outlined its coordination role in mobilising multi-sectoral responses, strengthening institutional arrangements like the National Council on GBVF, driving community-based interventions, and mainstreaming support for women, youth, and persons with disabilities across all government tiers.
Key highlights of the presentation by DWYPD included the use of national survey data to inform policy, efforts to link municipal safety planning with GBVF prevention, and progress in developing legislation and support structures such as shelters and psychosocial services. Although notable achievements were made, such as the enactment of GBVF laws, increased funding to civil society organisations, and creation of economic opportunities for women, the department also acknowledged significant gaps. These include slow institutionalisation, inconsistent provincial reporting, weak interdepartmental coordination, and the need for stronger community engagement. The DWYPD concluded with a call for intensified government commitment, adequate resourcing, and the use of evidence-based strategies to drive a whole-of-society response to GBVF.
The workshop also included a panel discussion titled “Lived Experiences and Sectoral Responses”. Representatives from various Civil Society Forum (CSF) sectors shared challenges faced by their constituencies and emphasized the need for locally driven, intersectional approaches. Discussions included the decriminalisation of sex work, disclosure-related violence against people living with HIV (PLHIV), and the exclusion of people with disabilities and drug users from key services. Youth raised concerns around unemployment, cyber GBV, and limited access to education, calling for youth-led interventions.
Participants of the panel discussion also underscored the importance of engaging men in norm change and accountability, empowering women through survivor-centered programming and sustained funding and leveraging the influence of traditional and faith-based leaders to shift harmful social norms. The children’s sector called for stronger, community-based responses. Overall, the session highlighted the urgency of responsive, multi-sectoral strategies that reflect the lived realities of those most affected by the dual epidemics of GBV and HIV.
Overall action points emerging from the workshop included the establishment of a dedicated Task Team and Technical Working Group to lead integration efforts; consolidation of existing tools and the scaling up of evidence-based models; strengthening meaningful community engagement; prioritising youth and marginalised populations in programme design; and the development of a position paper to inform the upcoming Presidential National Dialogue.
The workshop served as a crucial step forward in ensuring that South Africa’s response to HIV and GBV is not only aligned and integrated but grounded in lived realities. With clear direction and unified purpose, SANAC and its partners are committed to turning words into action for a safer, healthier, and more just South Africa.