Understanding Sociocultural Influences on Female Condom Use for HIV Prevention Among Female Students at a Rural South African University

South Africa continues to face a disproportionate HIV burden, particularly among young women at rural universities with limited resources. The female condom remains the only female-oriented method that provides dual protection against unintended pregnancy and HIV, yet its use remains inconsistent. Most research focuses on urban universities, which leaves a gap in understanding the rural sociocultural influences on female condom use. This study applied gender and power theory to examine how structural and interpersonal inequalities heighten women’s vulnerability to HIV and AIDS. The study used a qualitative phenomenological approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 purposively selected female students aged 18 to 28 at the University of Venda. Thematic analysis revealed that sociocultural factors such as gender inequality, sexual submission, economic dependence, transactional relationships, cultural stigma, notions of masculinity, intimate partner violence and sexual silence limit uptake of the female condom. These factors collectively reduce women’s agency in accessing, negotiating and using female condoms. The findings highlight that female condom use in this rural university context is shaped by broader social influences within patriarchal systems, beyond individual access or choice. The study advocates university-led engaged scholarship as a key driver of social change, promoting a shift from individual HIV prevention strategies to gender-transformative approaches that involve men, traditional leaders and communities. Such strategies are crucial to challenging harmful gender norms and empowering young women to take control of their sexual and reproductive health.