Johannesburg, 18 September 2024 - The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Save the Children, UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNESCO, and UN Women, successfully concluded a high-level gathering of traditional and religious leaders from 10 participating countries aimed at tackling harmful social norms, improving sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and reducing HIV infections in the region.

The event, held under the theme “Dismantling Harmful Social/Gender Norms and Practices to Improve SRHR and HIV Outcomes,” brought together faith and traditional leaders, youth representatives, civil society, and UN agencies from Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The regional convening sought to harness the influential roles that these community leaders play in challenging harmful practices such as child marriages, gender-based violence (GBV), female genital mutilation (FGM), and stigma surrounding SRHR and HIV issues.

The East and Southern African region remains disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic, accounting for 54% of the global burden of people living with HIV. Although progress has been made, adolescent girls, young women, and key and vulnerable populations continue to face heightened risks due to entrenched gender inequalities and harmful social norms.

Traditional and religious leaders are pillars of their communities. Their commitment to combating harmful norms and promoting gender equality can make a profound difference in SRHR outcomes. By working together, we are helping to break down the barriers to care and support, especially for vulnerable migrants, women, and young people.

Over the course of the gathering, participants discussed best practices and strategies for influencing social change within their communities. Central to the discussions was the need to improve comprehensive sexuality education, address harmful transgenerational sexual relationships, and advance the rights of vulnerable populations, including key populations, young people, and migrants. The meeting also included discussions on improving health outcomes in the context of migration, humanitarian settings, and climate change.

The key outcomes of the event include a renewed commitment from traditional and religious leaders to actively combat gender-based violence and harmful social, religious and traditional practices. Additionally, a joint platform was introduced to enable ongoing collaboration among religious and traditional leaders across the region. Partnerships were also strengthened to support comprehensive SRHR initiatives, considering both cultural sensitivities and public health needs. Lastly, the gathering culminated in the signing of a Joint Declaration by Religious and Traditional Leaders, reaffirming their dedication to dismantling harmful social, religious and cultural norms that impede progress toward better SRHR-HIV outcomes in the region.

Moving forward, this gathering will serve as a foundational step in establishing a sustained community of practice among faith and traditional leaders in the region. This group will continue to engage in regional learning exchanges, ensure accountability for their commitments, and monitor progress in advancing SRHR and gender equality.

The success of this event highlights the importance of engaging traditional and religious leaders as powerful agents of change in the fight against harmful practices  improving health outcomes for all.

For media inquiries, please contact Dr. Hloniphile Mabuza hmabuza@iom.int