Factsheet: The Role of Traditional Leadership Preventing Violence Against Women Towards Effective HIV Prevention In Southern Africa

Factsheet: The Role Of Traditional Leadership Preventing Violence Against Women Towards Effff ective HIV Prevention In Southern Africa

Introduction Traditional leaders and traditional structures remain infl uential among a large majority of the population in Southern Africa, in both urban and rural areas. Traditional leaders wield infl uence and command much respect in their communities. Despite undeniable evidence that shows the linkages between violence against women and HIV, traditional leaders’ potential to actively participate in HIV prevention activities and projects to eliminate violence against women however, remains untapped. With adequate support, traditional leaders can facilitate positive change in local communities working to address HIV and violence against women.