A Multi-Foci Intervention for Empowering Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Low-Socio-Economic Areas: A South African Perspective

Enock Zibengwa, Sabastain Gunda and Sipho Sibanda ()
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Enock Zibengwa: Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg 2193, ZA, South Africa
Sabastain Gunda: Department of Social Work, Acknowledge Education, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
Sipho Sibanda: Department of Social Work and Social Policy, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia

Societies, 2025, vol. 15, issue 11, 1-19

Abstract: Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in South Africa remain disproportionately affected by HIV due to a complex interplay of structural, social, and gender-based vulnerabilities. This study explored the experiences of AGYW who participated in a group-based HIV prevention intervention in three low-socio-economic communities—Soweto, Alexandra, and Orange Farm—in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The intervention integrated economic strengthening with HIV prevention education, delivered through structured, mentor-led group sessions. Using qualitative methods, in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 AGYW aged 15–24 to examine how participation empowered them to reduce HIV-related risks. The findings reveal that the intervention significantly enhanced participants’ self-awareness, assertiveness, and knowledge of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), while fostering personal independence, goal setting, and agency. The group-based format also facilitated peer connection and created a safe space for challenging harmful gender norms, improving health-seeking behaviours, and navigating access to SRH services. Mentorship emerged as a critical enabler of impact, providing emotional support and trusted guidance. The study underscores the value of community group-based HIV prevention models that empower AGYW through social, economic, and gender-responsive approaches, offering practical insights for policy and programme design in resource-constrained settings.

Keywords: empowerment; adolescent girls and young women; economic strengthening; HIV prevention; sexual and reproductive health; South Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 A14 P P0 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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