A recent national survey has revealed that nearly 70% of Zimbabwean women have had sexual intercourse before reaching the age of 20.
The data comes from the 2023–24 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS), conducted by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and supported by international development agencies.
The survey, which aims to inform national policy and track progress on health and social indicators, shows that sexual debut occurs earlier for women than for men in Zimbabwe.
According to the report, 69% of women have engaged in sexual activity by the age of 20, compared to 51% of their male counterparts. Among women aged 25–49, 6% had sex by age 15, and 43% by 18 — indicating that a significant number of girls become sexually active during their teenage years.
In contrast, men tend to begin sexual activity later. Only 3% of men in the same age range reported having sex by age 15, and 25% by age 18.
The median age at first sexual intercourse stands at 18.5 years for women and 19.9 years for men.
The survey also notes that women typically begin sexual activity before entering into marriage. The median age at first marriage for women in the 25–49 age bracket is 19.4 years, almost a year after their average age of first sexual experience.
This time gap highlights concerns around adolescent sexual health, including access to contraception, HIV prevention services, and comprehensive sex education.
These findings have significant implications for public health and education policies, particularly regarding teenage pregnancies, school dropouts, and early exposure to sexually transmitted infections.
With over 11,000 households surveyed between December 2023 and May 2024, the ZDHS is regarded as one of the most reliable sources of demographic and health data in Zimbabwe.
ZIMSTAT stated that the information collected will guide the design of targeted, evidence-based programs that support young people, especially girls.
“The ZDHS results are critical for tracking national health progress and informing data-driven decision-making,” the agency said.
As the country pushes forward with Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, the early onset of sexual activity among Zimbabwean youth is expected to spark further discussions around family dynamics, cultural expectations, and the role of formal sexual education in schools.
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