Commercial sexual exploitation of children in Zimbabwe: A threat to human and social development

Abstract

Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) in child sex work is reportedly rising in Zimbabwe. While children of both sexes are affected, more females than males are forced to engage in sexual acts in exchange for money, food, access to shelter, education or some other gains from adults who control these means of survival and commodities. Drivers of CSEC include socioeconomic factors, negative peer pressure, childhood abuse, the influence of uncensored social media, and, more recently, the economic impact of COVID-19. Involvement in underage sex work exposes children to severe adversities, such as psychosocial and mental health disorders, physical and biological injuries, venereal diseases and HIV. CSEC is a growing concern for resource-limited countries, disenfranchises children and robs particularly the girl child of a better future. The worsening socioeconomic landscape in Zimbabwe and the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated the problem. Solving the problem of CSEC requires a multipronged approach that involves stakeholders from several sectors, including public health, education, social services, security and the legal fraternity. There is a need to empower communities, empower civil society and development partners, enhance legal frameworks, provide messaging, education and vocational training, as well as rehabilitative services for affected children and their families. CSEC is a violation of the child's rights and a public health concern that needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency to preserve the next generation's human capital necessary for the sustainable development of Zimbabwe. K E Y W O R D S child sex work, CSEC, Zimbabwe Key Practitioner Messages • Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is reportedly rising in Zimbabwe. • The worsening socioeconomic landscape in the country and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem. • Involvement in underage sex work exposes children to severe social and health-related adversities. • Drivers of CSEC are multifaceted and require equally complex solutions.• In this discussion article, the authors unpack CSEC in Zimbabwe and proffer solutions for combatting this harmful practice.

Drug abuse: A Hindrance to Optimal Functioning of the Rural Learner’s Cognitive Capabilities

“…The use and misuse of drugs hurt people's lives, households, and societies. These effects accumulate over time and can cause problems with people's mental, physical, and social well-being (Gwarisa, 2022;Murewanhema et al, 2022). For these and other problems, Mukwenha et al (2022) state that the whole spectrum of care, from substance and drug misuse treatment to supportive wrap-around services, is not available to rural learners.…”

“…A considerable number of studies show that most of those developing mental illness from drug and substance abuse are not in hospitals or being treated as outpatients. The majority of them can be seen wandering in rural communities, with others behaving abnormally at shopping centres (Chen, 2018;Gwarisa, 2022;Murewanhema et al, 2022). The prevalence of these dangerous substances, according to Dlamini and Makondo (2017), is becoming an increasing physical and social problem among vulnerable rural learners.…”

“…According to Gunda and Mbwirire (2020) and Jakaza and Nyoni (2018), rural learners engaging in drug and substance abuse face problematic or complex situations that psychologically, socially, culturally, and emotionally prevent them from attaining quality education. For the most part, these students exhibit problematic situations in life, including (i) affective (depression, hopelessness, worry, shame, frustration, enmity, and loneliness); (ii) cognitive (low feelings of worth, self-reproach, powerlessness, and feelings of unreality); (iii) behavioural (agitation, tiredness, and societal withdrawal); and (iv) emotional (moody behaviour, aggression, and signs of frustration) (Chidakwa & Hlalele, 2021;Mukwenha et al, 2022;Murewanhema et al, 2022;Pillay, 2018;ZIMVAC, 2019). Such complex situations usually expose rural learners to more challenging situations like early marriages, drug and substance abuse, and all forms of abuse, thus creating a vicious cycle of problems.…”

Legal Protection and Criminal Implications of Mistreatment of Minors: Analysis Based on Child Protection Law Number 35 of 2014

“…Child abuse is serious and threatens their basic rights (Pimentel, 2018). In the legal context, perpetrators of child abuse may be subject to criminal sanctions such as imprisonment, fines, or other penalties appropriate to the level of crime committed (Murewanhema et al, 2023).…”