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.
Rutgers and Aidsfonds – Soa Aids Nederland Join Forces to Advance Sexual Health
Rutgers and Aidsfonds – Soa Aids Nederland Join Forces to Advance Sexual Health
Today, 1 July 2026, Rutgers and Aidsfonds – Soa Aids Nederland have formally entered into an administrative merger. Under a shared leadership structure, we are working together towards a single strategic direction for sexual health in the Netherlands and around the world. As an important step towards a full legal merger, this development strengthens our joint commitment to health, wellbeing and human rights.
Our new organisation is dedicated to creating a world in which everyone can make free and safe choices about their bodies, relationships and sexuality, and where no one dies of AIDS.
“If we’re not there now, we’ll lose the progress we fought so hard for”
“If we’re not there now, we’ll lose the progress we fought so hard for”
A crucial moment in the fight against AIDS: world leaders are gathering in New York on Monday and Tuesday for the UN High-Level Meeting on HIV and AIDS. Aidsfonds is present to increase pressure on governments. It is essential that governments commit to an inclusive HIV response with adequate funding.