HIV and gender equality: A call to action

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As the world commemorates World Aids Day, entering the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), it is a reminder that two parallel struggles are deeply intertwined. Both HIV and GBV exact a disproportionate toll on women and girls, placing their health, safety, dignity, and opportunities at peril. These global campaigns call for collective reflection and, more importantly, for real action.

This year’s World Aids Day theme, “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress,” resonates deeply. Without addressing structural inequalities and violence that create vulnerability, sustained progress in HIV prevention and care cannot be achieved. Similarly, the 16 Days of Activism challenges us to confront GBV, a pervasive issue that undermines shared objectives of equality and health.

Gendered impact of HIV and GBV

The relationship between HIV and GBV runs deep. Women experiencing violence are 1.5 times more likely to contract HIV. In sub-Saharan Africa, adolescent girls and young women bear the brunt of new infections. Systemic inequalities often deny them access to care and protection, as sexual violence, stigma, and economic dependence create monumental barriers for survivors seeking to rebuild their lives.

Despite these challenges, women and girls are central to progress in HIV prevention and advocacy. From leading community interventions to serving as caregivers, their contributions are invaluable. Prioritizing their safety and empowerment is essential to sustaining HIV progress and recognizing their leadership in crafting solutions.

Political will and the power of budgeting

True progress against HIV and GBV requires more than advocacy - it demands sustained political will and investment. Governments must allocate adequate budgets to address these crises at their roots. Funding comprehensive healthcare services that integrate HIV care with GBV prevention and response is essential. Survivors of violence must have safe and accessible access to trauma-informed counselling, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and legal support.

Community-led initiatives, especially those led by women, are often best positioned to address local challenges. Governments and donors must prioritize sustained, flexible funding to empower such interventions. There is also a need for comprehensive sex education in schools and community programs should scale up to challenge harmful gender norms, promote healthy relationships, and empower young people with knowledge to prevent HIV.

Without budgets reflecting these priorities, political commitments are hollow. Policy aspirations must align with financial resources to create environments where women and girls are safe, supported, and empowered.

Breaking the Silence: Creating Enabling Environments

The 16 Days of Activism campaign encourages breaking the silence around GBV. This extends to challenging HIV stigma, which prevents many from seeking testing or treatment. Silence shields perpetrators, marginalizes survivors, and perpetuates cycles of violence and inequality.

Creating enabling environments is critical. Survivors must feel empowered to speak out, report violence, and access support. Beyond awareness campaigns, this requires robust accountability systems, survivor-centred services, and the inclusion of men and boys as allies in challenging harmful gender norms.

Collective Action: Sustaining Momentum

The overlapping challenges of HIV and GBV demand united action across sectors. Governments, civil society, healthcare providers, and communities must collaborate to address structural inequalities that perpetuate these crises. Men and boys should actively dismantle systems of inequality, not remain passive bystanders.

Collective action must also address systemic gaps, such as strengthening legal protections. This calls for amending, enacting and vigorously enforcing laws addressing GBV and discrimination while safeguarding the rights of those living with HIV. There is also a need for the expansion of access to justice through establishing legal aid and safe reporting mechanisms to ensure survivors’ voices are heard and perpetrators are held accountable.

An appeal for investment in the future

As we mark World Aids Day and the 16 Days of Activism, the critical role of political will and resource allocation in driving sustainable change cannot be overstated. By embedding gender-sensitive approaches into HIV programming, funding survivor-centred services, and scaling up prevention efforts, we can create a future where women and girls are not only protected but empowered.

The road ahead is challenging, but a world free from violence and HIV is within reach. This is our moment to transform words into action by investing in solutions that protect, support, and uplift the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action, we can ensure no one is left behind in the fight for health, equality, and dignity.

Allan Maleche is the Executive Director of Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV and Aids (KELIN). He is a legal expert with an LLM in National and Global Health Law from Georgetown University, complemented by a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. Allan is a seasoned advocate for human rights.