South Africa is wrestling with some heavy challenges when it comes to the sexual health of its young people. Teenage pregnancies, HIV infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are still way too common, especially among young women.
But here’s the good news: South African women are stepping up and taking control, and it’s making all the difference.
Recent research shows that when young people, especially women, are given the right information, skills and the power to make their own decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, the results can be life-changing.
For example, a study in Botswana revealed that nearly half (47%) of the differences in condom use among young women could be explained by their ability to negotiate in their relationships.
This highlights how crucial it is to address the power dynamics in sexual relationships.
According to a study published in the Reproductive Health journal, the teenage pregnancy rate in South Africa was at a staggering 11% between 2002 and 2011.
Among sexually active girls, the numbers were even higher, with pregnancy rates climbing from 17.3% in 2002 to 23.6% in 2008, before dipping slightly to 21.3% in 2011.
These stats are still too high, especially when we consider the serious health and social consequences, like increased risks for both mother and child, and the ongoing cycle of poverty.
The situation with HIV and STIs is also alarming. A study in the Emerging Infectious Diseases journal found that young women aged 15-24 in South Africa account for a shocking 6 out of every 7 new HIV infections among adolescents in the region.
That’s a pretty clear sign that something needs to change.
But here’s where it gets interesting: campaigns like #ForeverWena are showing that South African women are rewriting the script.
They’re taking charge of their sexual health and shaking up relationship dynamics. In a country where 7.8 million people are living with HIV, women are standing tall and saying, “No more!” Gone are the days when men made all the decisions in the bedroom.
We’ve all heard it before: “guys are just different”. Sure, relationships can be complicated, and men might have their own ways of doing things, but that doesn’t mean women should be sidelined when it comes to their own sexual health.
An opinion piece from UNFPA South Africa puts it perfectly: “Gender inequality and harmful gender norms, along with issues like income, education, and access to sexual and reproductive health services, are driving the HIV pandemic among young women.”
The authors also point out that things like intergenerational and transactional sex, and the ongoing problem of gender-based violence, are holding girls back from reaching their full potential.
Despite these concerns, women continue to dominate conversations on sex relationships and regular health checks. Here is how:
Nowadays, more and more young women are getting clued up on the regular use of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), and they’re making it a part of their health routines.
It’s not just something they’re doing on their own either—they’re chatting with their healthcare professionals about it, making sure they’re fully informed and protected.
But here’s the thing: back in 2016, when our health department first introduced PrEP, the hope was that millions would jump on board.
Fast forward to the end of April this year, and only about 1.5 million people had taken a pill at least once. That’s way less than expected, so there’s still some catching up to do.
Even former Miss SA and Miss World, Rolene Strauss, has shared her personal experience with HIV prevention.
After coming into contact with the virus while treating a patient right after the birth of her first child, she had to start post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). She took PEP within 72 hours to prevent infection, showing just how important quick action can be.
Redefining relationships and sexual pleasure goals
Today’s young women are rewriting the rules, focusing on what really matters in a partner: mutual respect, trust, and shared goals.
They’re not shy about having those all-important conversations about sexual health with their partners, either. This new openness is leading to healthier, more supportive relationships where everyone’s on the same page about health choices.
Leveraging technology for education
We live in a digital world, and it’s making it easier than ever to get the information we need.
The #ForeverWena campaign’s WhatsApp chatbot is a perfect example. It’s packed with tips on HIV prevention, safe sex practices, and even lets users set health reminders.
The fight against HIV is ongoing
The battle against HIV isn’t over yet, but with each person who takes control of their sexual health, we’re getting closer to winning. Every step towards better sexual health behaviours and HIV prevention is a step towards a healthier, more informed generation.