Women Fighting For Women
In recognition of the International Women’s Day, EGPAF Gender Based Violence (GBV) Advisor Ms. Mpho Marathane indicated that “Every day, young girls and women in Sub – Saharan Africa, including in Lesotho, confront the gendered nature of the pandemic, one that leaves them twice as likely as their male peers to be living with HIV.”
She mentioned gender-based violence as one of the contributors to the spread of HIV among young girls and women. As an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth, and families facing HIV, safeguarding and uplifting women, especially those facing violence and discrimination, is essential in achieving EGPAF’s mission.
Ms. Marathane explains that in order to address this threat, EGPAF integrates gender-based violence screening into existing HIV services, namely in HIV testing services, antiretroviral therapy treatment services known as “ART corners”, and in HIV prevention services, particularly at PrEP initiation. The gender-based violence screening is provided in all EGPAF supported facilities and mobile clinics.
“To ensure this integration, health care workers are always asking their clients if they experience any forms of gender-based violence at home from their intimate partners, at work places, or elsewhere. If they don’t speak-out or report, health care workers should observe if their clients have blue [and black] eyes or any emotional or physical trauma experienced due to gender-based violence,” said Marathane.
She said when clients said “YES” to any form of gender-based violence, EGPAF provides post-violence care packages, which include wound care, family planning, and trauma counselling, adding that those who were sexually abused are also offered HIV testing services, and if their results are negative, they are offered post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). They also test for pregnancy, are offered emergency pills if needed, and are then linked to an EGPAF psychologist for more psychosocial support.
Ms. Marathane is passionate about providing quality care to women in vulnerable situations, and she appealed to health care workers to conduct a rapid risk assessment of their gender-based violence clients and to come up with a safety plan for them, such as referrals to other organizations for non-clinical services, including police and social services.
“Remember that the people in the most vulnerable situations choose not to report gender-based violence due to dependence on their perpetrators, namely partners or employers,” she added.
International Women’s Day originated from the Women’s Rights Movement and has since become a global call to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. EGPAF celebrates this day while recognizing that there is more work to be done on advancing women’s rights to achieve equality, and remembering that women are focal points of change.
Makopano Letsatsi
Lesotho
Women's Health
