One woman left her abusive boyfriend. Another, whose husband infected her with HIV and then forced her out of her home, started legal action against him. Both came to a new understanding of their rights after participating in a community theatre project organized by Mothertongue, a South African collective of artists and activists who believe in theatre as a tool for transformation.

Women face myriad forms of discrimination involving the intersection of HIV, violence and family relationships, but strategies to address these are still relatively new. Using a Trust Fund grant, Mothertongue piloted a project in Khayelitsha, a township outside Cape Town with some of the highest rates of rape and HIV. They worked with 28 women, most of whom were HIV-positive and survivors of gender-based violence. Together, they wove their stories into eight dramas designed to challenge negative attitudes towards women and provoke reflection on change.

Over two months, the group gave 12 performances. The performers developed a greater sense of personal strength that allowed them to make changes in their own lives. Within their communities, they continue to serve as sources of advice and assistance on HIV and gender violence. As a result, counselling centres have seen increased reporting of violent incidents.