Advocates for youth, girls, and women’s rights have raised alarms about the growing number of underage girls turning to s*x work as a means of survival.
This troubling trend is most evident in areas such as Hopley, Mabvuku, and Epworth in Harare, as well as Chitungwiza and Domboshava. In these communities, girls as young as 14 are reportedly involved in transactional s*x, often with men significantly older than them. Reports indicate that some of these girls are paid as little as one US dollar for their services.
Primrose Manyange, a resident of Hopley, highlighted the desperation driving this issue. “Many of these girls have no other options, especially those with children to care for. Some even face pressure from their own families. While awareness campaigns exist, the root causes of poverty and lack of opportunity remain unresolved,” she said.
Similarly, Marble Jamu from Domboshava pointed to the role of parental influence. “When parents engage in similar behaviors, children often follow their example. Adults need to model better choices to protect their children,” she noted.
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Norbert Kuvamudiki, a youth advocate with the Female Students Network Trust, identified poverty as the main factor pushing girls into s*x work. “Economic hardships force these girls to seek any means of survival. Even when they try to engage in legal activities like vending, they are often harassed by authorities. Many of these girls are very young but already have significant responsibilities,” he explained.
Research by the Girls and Women Empowerment Network revealed that a lack of proper support at home often leaves young girls vulnerable. According to Kumbirai Kahiya, the organization’s leader, many girls are coerced into this work rather than choosing it willingly.
“Our Constitution clearly states that anyone under 18 cannot consent to such activities. This is not a choice but exploitation and abuse. Many of these children feel trapped by their circumstances,” Kahiya said.
Engineer Francis Gondo, representing the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, encouraged young women to take advantage of government initiatives, such as business training and funding, to create sustainable livelihood