Background: Sexual reproductive health communication between parents and children has been shown to

promote safer sexual choices. In many South African households, third-generation female caregivers, often

grandmothers or other older females, locally known as gogos, are primary caregivers of children due to parents

being deceased or absent. Subsequently, the responsibility of talking about sex and related issues has shifted to

these gogos. This study explored the experiences of gogos living in Alexandra, Johannesburg on talking about sex,

sexuality and HIV and AIDS with children aged 10–18 years that are in their care.

Methods: Ten primary caregivers were purposively selected. Data were collected through in-depth individual

interviews. Thematic analysis was performed and inductive codes and themes identified.

Results: All gogos selected found it difficult to discuss sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS due to culture and

traditional values impacting on personal experiences as well as generation and gender barriers. Perceived low self efficacy

due to low levels of knowledge and limited skills in speaking about sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS also

contributed to low levels of sexual reproductive health communication.

Conclusions: This study highlights the need for interventions that focus on improving gogos’ knowledge about

sexual reproductive health in addition to providing them with the skills to talk about sex, sexuality and HIV and

AIDS with children in their care.

Ms Jane Simmonds is a dedicated public health specialist and social activist committed to driving community-level change. She holds a Master of Public Health in Social Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) from the University of the Witwatersrand. Jane currently works at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and is the Founder and Executive Director of goGOGOgo, a non-profit organisation focused on empowering grandmothers (“gogos”) who are primary caregivers of children.

 

At the SAMRC, Jane has contributed significantly to public health initiatives. She has worked extensively in the older persons sphere as the project manager for a qualitative study on the polypill to address cardiovascular disease in older persons and a hypertension screening study conducted in social grant queues in collaboration with the MRC/Wits Agincourt Research Unit.

 

Through goGOGOgo, Jane leads programmes to promote grandmothers as agents of change improving outcomes for both caregivers and children. Key initiatives include health initiatives for older persons, addressing the “grey divide’ by providing digital technology training and promoting intergenerational conversations related to gender based violence, sexual reproductive health, pregnancy and childcare.

 

Jane’s work reflects a deep commitment to intergenerational health, education, and empowerment, bridging research and community engagement with lasting social impact.