Harare Correspondent
Financial difficulties are driving tertiary students into exploitative arrangements commonly referred to as “semester marriages,” where male students provide financial support to female peers in exchange for domestic responsibilities.
This alarming trend was highlighted during a Safer Campus Campaign Dialogue on Gender-Based Violence held at the Catholic University of Zimbabwe.
SAT Youth Officer Dean Mutata expressed concern over the rising prevalence of these arrangements, stating,
“These semester marriages are not just a financial transaction; they represent a serious form of exploitation that undermines the dignity and agency of young women.”
Chief Inspector Tichaona Burashu echoed Mutata’s sentiments, condemning the practice as a form of sexual exploitation.
“It’s deeply troubling to see students in vulnerable financial situations being pushed into these arrangements, which can have lasting negative impacts on their lives and education,” Burashu remarked.
The dialogue aimed to raise awareness about gender-based violence and the various forms it can take within educational institutions. As financial hardships continue to plague many students, advocates are calling for more support systems to help alleviate these pressures and protect students from exploitation.
The revelations surrounding “semester marriages” have sparked urgent discussions about the need for comprehensive strategies to address financial insecurity among students, ensuring that their education and well-being are prioritized.
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