Research article

The upsurge of men and women trading sex in the streets of Gweru, Zimbabwe: Unpacking the dynamics and dimensions of street prostitution in 2013-2014

*¹Didmus Dewa and ²Nyengeterai Chemhuru

¹Department Development Studies, Zimbabwe Open University Midlands Region

²Department of Counselling, Zimbabwe Open University Midlands Region

*Corresponding author E-mail: didmusdewa@yahoo.co.uk,   nchemhuru@gmail.com, Tel: 263774387011, 263773929551

Accepted 11 April, 2014

Abstract

Commercial sex work has been an insult to the African culture and value system but due to globalisation and changing trends, the phenomena has made inroads in Africa. Zimbabwean laws prohibit such activity according to the old and new constitution of 2013. Due to population growth and changing phases of socio-economic and political hardships, sex work has sprouted mainly in urban areas. Urban centres record higher levels of currency circulation hence the influx of commercial sex work. The introduction of the multicurrency system in 2009 led to a lot of illegal and black market activities as Zimbabweans hunt for the hard earned South African Rand and US dollar. As formal employment opportunities dwindle, people tend to venture into more informal trade due to hardships. Women are the worst affected due to gender imbalances and patriarchal systems of oppression and exploitation. In light of these developments in Zimbabwe, some women have ventured into commercial sex activity. The sector has been green with US Dollars and South African rand. Among other urban areas, Gweru has seen changing dynamics and dimensions of sex trade. Street prostitution has now sprouted as many women and men now flock the urban streets of Gweru to transact sex in exchange for the hard earned cash. The activity is blossoming along 7th street especially between CBZ and Econet building as well as along 8th street area between Gweru City council and Memorial Library. These streets have become a safe haven for the trade. This paper sought to bring out the geographical locations of the sexual transaction, age dimensions, profit margins of female sex workers, risks they encounter and their survival skills, reasons for engaging in street prostitution and their proposed way forward. To get the data, the researcher randomly visited the streets to solicit for the data along the themes noted above. Interviews and observation were the research tools employed by the researcher. The deteriorating economy pushes these women into street prostitution in order to make money for survival and upkeep. They are abused and exposed to life-threatening STIs and other rare diseases but they still have to continue in the trade. This paper call for more researches on the plight of sex workers. An all stakeholders research and policy making conference pivoted on commercial sex work is a practical recommendation to the problem.

Keywords: Commercial sex, African culture, Zimbabwe, Prostitution