Relationship power dynamics by partner type among adolescent girls and young women in South Africa: evidence from the HERStory 3 evaluation
Background
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in South Africa continue to experience unequal gendered power dynamics that undermine sexual and reproductive health (SRH) autonomy. Although transactional and age disparate relationships are recognised as important contexts shaping SRH vulnerability, less is known about how sexual relationship power varies across these relationship characteristics.
Methods
This study analysed data from the HERStory 3 evaluation, a national household-based survey conducted in 2024 across eight South African provinces. Sexual relationship power was measured using the relationship control subscale of the Sexual Relationship Power Scale (SRPS). Mixed effects regression models assessed associations between relationship characteristics and SRPS scores while controlling for socio demographic factors.
Results
AGYW in relationships with Blessers and age disparate partners reported significantly lower sexual relationship power than those in peer partnerships. However, effect sizes were modest, and SRPS scores across the sample generally reflected low to moderate relationship power. Food insecurity and school non enrolment were independently associated with lower relationship power. The findings suggest that unequal gendered power dynamics extend beyond transactional and age disparate relationships and are embedded within broader social and structural contexts.
Conclusion
Sexual relationship power remains an important determinant of AGYW SRH autonomy in South Africa. While partner characteristics are associated with differences in relationship power, the generally low to moderate SRPS scores observed across the sample point to the broader normalisation of gendered inequities within intimate relationships. Interventions that combine gender transformative approaches with economic strengthening are needed to enhance AGYW agency and advance equitable SRH outcomes.