HomeNews & stories‘Not all super heroes wear capes’ – the story of Peaches
HomeNews & stories‘Not all super heroes wear capes’ – the story of Peaches
‘Not all super heroes wear capes’ – the story of Peaches
Last updated on: 27 August 2025
Peaches, a peer educator from Johannesburg, shares her powerful journey from surviving abuse and criminalisation to becoming a source of support and hope for others. This video was created through a participatory process, with Peaches having full creative control over what to share and how to share it. She chose the format and content herself, ensuring the story reflects her voice, experiences, and journey.
The story of Peaches
Her story sheds light on the realities of sex work in South Africa, the violence many face, and the importance of rights, dignity, and community. Through her work, Peaches helps others access health services, report violations, and build safer lives. “You know what they say, not all superheroes wear capes, and I feel like that is me.” Meet Peaches!
The Hands Off programme
70% of sex workers in Southern Africa report experiencing violence. Reducing violence can lower their risk of HIV by 25%. Through the Hands Off programme, Aidsfonds and its partners in Southern Africa work towards supportive laws and protective services, care and support to secure the safety and wellbeing of sex workers – ultimately reducing their risk of HIV. The programme is funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Mozambique.
Brussels Metro Campaign Calls on EU to Invest €800M in the Global Fund to Save Lives
Brussels Metro Campaign Calls on EU to Invest €800M in the Global Fund to Save Lives
This week, commuters across the Brussels metro are invited to reflect on the real-world impact of global health investment. A commitment from the European Commission of €800 million to the Global Fund could help save up to 1.2 million lives - roughly equivalent to the entire population of Brussels - making clear how vast and human the impact of this investment would be in the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. The campaign is led by Friends of the Global Fund Europe, ONE Campaign, Alliance for Public Health, Global Health Advocates, and Aidsfonds, as part of a broader joint appeal endorsed by 330 organisations across Europe and beyond. Together, they are calling on the European Commission to demonstrate leadership in global health by committing €800 million to the Global Fund ahead of its next Board meeting in February.