Gender Based Violence: A Key Driver Of HIV Infections
The National AIDS Council (NAC) joined Zimbabwe and the rest of the World in commemorating 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. The theme for Zimbabwe’s commemorations is “End Violence Against Women and Girls: End Child Marriages Now.” The official launch which was held in Epworth on 25 November 2021 marked the beginning of the 16 Days and NAC Harare Province showcased and provided information on HIV and gender- based violence prevention.
Cases of gender-based violence and child marriages have been on the rise in Zimbabwe. Statistics show that one in every three women have been abused in their lifetime. The numbers rise during crises such as the current Covid-19 pandemic. The National AIDS Council with the collaboration of Government, stakeholders and partners has adopted comprehensive approaches meant to tackle the root causes of genderbased violence, transforming harmful social norms and empowering adolescent girls and young women through such programmes as DREAMS, SASA and the Sista2Sista. The 16 Days campaign theme is also in line with the World AIDS Day 2021/2022 theme of ending pandemics, ending inequalities and ending AIDS.
Men can also be victims of Gender Based Violence but statistics show that women are more on the receiving end. Women and girls constitute a large proportion of the population of Zimbabwe. They have been disadvantaged in various ways (social, economic and political). The social, legal status and economic relations between the sexes determine not only power relations in society, but also the pattern of HIV infection and the burden of effects.
HIV prevalence is higher in women due to the following reasons:
• Household poverty, school drop outs
• Transactional sex
• Policy gaps and inconsistences
• Child marriages
• Gender inequality and disparities in opportunities and economic benefits between men and women
• Negative cultural and social norms and religious practices
• Gender based violence
• stigmatization of HIV and AIDS and discrimination
• Barriers to treatment access and adherence
The main mode of transmission of HIV in Zimbabwe is sexual; heterosexual contacts with an infected partner account for 92% of new HIV infections Key factors that influence the rapid spread of HIV in Zimbabwe are gender related and they include: Concurrent sexual partnerships in long term relationships with inconsistent condom use Socio-economic factors such as lack of control and access to resources
Negative coping mechanisms such as transactional sex, intergenerational sex between older men and young girls resulting from economic meltdown, with more than 80% unemployment.
Women in Zimbabwe are not in control of their sexuality because of lobola (bride price).
GBV results in increased risk of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) unintended pregnancies, reproductive health and psychological problems. Fear of violence and stigma prevent women from negotiating for safer sex. Be a part of the solution. Stop Gender Based Violence.
Vimbai Chikomo is the Gender and Workplace Coordinator at NAC