In the bustling streets of Epworth, a suburb of Harare, Zimbabwe, a growing number of women find themselves pushed into what is often termed as the oldest profession in the world thigh vending.
Among them, thigh vendors, as they are locally known, are increasingly visible, their presence a stark reminder of the economic struggles faced by many in the country.
One such woman, a 23-year-old single mother, bravely shared her story with Chibanda Media, shedding light on the harsh realities that lead women into this perilous profession. Raised in a tumultuous environment following the loss of both her parents, she found herself at the mercy of a stepmother and eventually coerced into the sex trade by circumstances beyond her control.
“I had no choice but to join the thigh vending profession following the passing of my father,” she recounted. “The person who took me in was already doing it, that’s what led me here.”
Her narrative echoes those of countless others who, grappling with poverty and desperation, see thigh vending as their only means of survival. Despite her youth, she faces the daunting task of raising a child alone, with financial pressures bearing down heavily upon her fragile shoulders.
Chibanda Media, recognizing the urgent need to address the plight of thigh vendors, has embarked on a mission to raise awareness about their struggles and provide support where possible. Efforts are underway to educate these women about the risks associated with their profession, including the heightened vulnerability to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Zimbabwe’s economic woes have only exacerbated an already dire situation. The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the recent geopolitical tensions stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has sent shockwaves through the economy, driving up inflation and pushing the cost of living beyond the reach of many.
However, underlying these immediate challenges lies a deeper issue of systemic corruption and economic mismanagement, which has plagued the country for years. The government, led by President Mnangagwa, has come under scrutiny for its failure to address the root causes of poverty and inequality, leaving millions of Zimbabweans teetering on the brink of destitution.
According to a recent survey by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat), a staggering 59.6% of women in the country are unemployed, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and coercion. For many, sex work represents a desperate bid for survival in the face of overwhelming hardship.
As Zimbabwe grapples with the fallout from years of economic mismanagement and external shocks, it is imperative that concerted efforts are made to address the underlying causes of poverty and inequality. Providing support and alternatives to women engaged in sex work is crucial in ensuring their safety and well-being, while also tackling the broader issues of economic injustice and social marginalization.
In the meantime, organizations like Chibanda Media continue to shine a light on the struggles of thigh vendors and advocate for their rights and dignity in the face of adversity. Only through collective action and a commitment to social justice can Zimbabwe hope to build a future where no woman feels compelled to sell her body out of sheer necessity.
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