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The HIV epidemic in South Africa is among the world's most severe and bears a female face: More than half of South Africans living with HIV are women, and 29% of pregnant women accessing public health services in 2008 tested positive for HIV. Accompanying-indeed helping drive-the HIV epidemic in South Africa is a second epidemic of sexual and domestic violence towards women. Violence and the threat of violence increase women's vulnerability to HIV infection and other negative reproductive health outcomes.
Since 1995, EngenderHealth's work in South Africa has focused most notably on transforming men's attitudes and behaviors to reduce gender-based violence and HIV prevalence. We also have worked to improve reproductive health services, including screening for and treating sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV.
Involving Men As Partners®
In an effort to address gender-based violence-part of a larger effort to reduce the spread of HIV-EngenderHealth launched its landmark Men As Partners® (MAP) program in South Africa in 1996. The program, which includes a series of workshops, peer-education initiatives, and media outreach, challenges men's attitudes and behaviors that compromise their own health and safety, as well as the health and safety of women and children. Project milestones include:
Recognizing the links between gender inequality and violence (and the risk of HIV infection), EngenderHealth works with the South African Police Service to change harmful behaviors through its Police As Partners Initiative. Police officers are often unsympathetic to female victims of violence-making women less likely to report cases, seek help, and leave violent relationships. EngenderHealth engages police officers countrywide through workshops, discussion groups, and other activities, challenging negative gender norms and reducing coercion and violence in communities.