The Department of Social Development will launch a report aimed at reducing women’s vulnerability to HIV. In recognition of the role that gender inequalities and associated sociocultural factors play in perpetuating the HIV epidemic and its impact on women and girls, the Gender Equality Assessment of Provincial Strategic and Operational Plans on HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Tuberculosis (TB) investigates South Africa’s progress towards achieving the UN High Level Target 7 of the Millennium Development Goals: Eliminate gender inequalities; eliminate gender based violence (GBV); and increase capacities of women and girls.
It also examined the impact of coming-of-age cultural practices on the rights of girls and young women. In particular, it explored whether these practices increase the risk of HIV infection, unwanted pregnancies and GBV. This was informed by community dialogues conducted with various stakeholders from the Bhacha nation in the Eastern Cape Province, including: traditional councils; government departments; young women and men; parents and guardians.
Consultative qualitative workshops were also held in Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo provinces. The Review complements and reinforces the gender equality measures that the South African government has implemented since 1994, such as improving access to economic empowerment and educational opportunities, including sexual and reproductive health for women and girls.
The Review is released as the South African government participates in the 59th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women currently taking place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Session will focus mainly on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, including current challenges that affect its implementation and the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Members of the media are invited to a media briefing on the Review, scheduled as follows:
Date: 17 March 2015, Tuesday
Time: 09h00
Venue: Ditsong Cultural Museum, Corner Visagie and Bosman Streets, Pretoria
For media RSVP, please contact:
Jaconia Kobue
Cell: 073 026 1111
E-mail: jaconiak@dsd.gov.za
Media enquiries may be directed to:
Lindo Nkomonde
Cell: 082 790 6108
E-mail: lindokuhlen@dsd.gov.za
