Shudufhadzo Musida, former Miss South Africa, author, and mental health activist, championed HIV awareness at the highly anticipated Durban July fashion event
Shudufhadzo donned an exclusive Imprint ZA dress featuring powerful HIV awareness messages from the #ForeverWena campaign, a movement promoting sexual health options. KwaZulu-Natal, the province most affected by HIV with an infection rate of 27.7%, provided an ideal platform for this advocacy.
“This dress represents freedom of choice and our autonomy, especially in our interactions. Options are available to ensure that we all make the right choices to protect ourselves and others. I love how the garment encapsulates the boldness of this conversation and campaign," said Shudufhadzo.
"Everyone stopped and was present in the garment and its messaging. Art can evoke emotions, urgency, and social change – this garment did just that. The conversation has started, and I hope it continues because #ForeverWena.”
ImprintZA designer Mzukisi Mbane utilized messaging placards from the #ForeverWena student rallies earlier this year to create fresh, unique prints for his designs, bringing the South African youth's voice to life through fashion.
“Fashion has always been a powerful tool to ignite social and political change,” said Mbane. “I’ve been inspired by its ability to communicate a message and act as a mirror of the socio-economic conditions of the time. Today, my fashion, in partnership with #ForeverWena, is making a statement to inspire social change.”
With 7.8 million South Africans living with HIV, adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15-24 are disproportionately affected, accounting for 25% of new infections. The high rates of infection among AGYW are linked to high community HIV prevalence, gender inequality, and age-discordant relationships. Additionally, young South African men are less likely to be diagnosed and treated, often transmitting HIV to younger female partners, perpetuating an inter-generational cycle of transmission.
#ForeverWena aims to reshape the conversation on sexual health and create a safe, judgement-free space. For more information on your sexual health options, visit foreverwena.co.za or connect via the WhatsApp Chatbot on 0849526152.
