A stark increase in child prostitution is alarming authorities in Chiredzi, Zimbabwe. The Police’s Victim Friendly Unit (VFU) attributes this disturbing trend to the crippling effects of economic hardship and the El Niño-induced drought, which has devastated livelihoods across the region. This worrying situation was highlighted during a recent campaign against child prostitution held in Tshovani.
Sergeant Sarah Chigarire, the Chiredzi urban Police VFU Coordinator, shed light on the issue. She explained that many young girls, often arriving from rural areas seeking domestic work, become trapped in the sex trade after failing to secure employment.
“Most of the girls joining sex work come from rural areas in search of domestic work and end up working as sex workers after failing to secure jobs,” she stated.
The situation is further exacerbated by the actions of brothel owners operating in areas around Chigarapasi. These individuals are not only providing accommodation and food to the vulnerable girls but are also actively soliciting clients for them, profiting significantly from their exploitation.
Chigarire detailed the modus operandi: “This campaign was triggered by the fact that during our last VFU meeting, we learnt that there are small girls who are taken into sex work mainly by owners of ‘brothels’ which are said to have sprouted in areas around Chigarapasi. The girls would have come in search of work and after failing to secure a job, these brothel owners take advantage of that and accommodate them while finding men for them but taking the bulk of the money,” she explained.
The gravity of the situation prompted a multi-agency campaign to address the issue. The campaign brought together a coalition of organisations committed to tackling child exploitation. These included the Women and Girls Matters Development Trust, Legal Resources Foundation (LRF), Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ), Musasa, Childline, Coalition against Child Labour in Zimbabwe (CACLAZ), Fact Zimbabwe, Social Welfare, Chiredzi Town Council, Plan International, and the pastors’ fraternity. This collaborative effort underscores the widespread concern and the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle this complex problem.
Bernadette Tamba Chipembere, Director of the Women and Girls Matters Development Trust, expressed deep concern: “It is disheartening seeing young girls who should be in school engaging in sex work due to poverty.”
Her statement highlights the devastating impact of poverty on the most vulnerable members of society, forcing children into situations that rob them of their childhood and future prospects.
The Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) representative, Prince Ganyani, urged community members to actively participate in combating child prostitution by reporting any suspicious activity. He stressed the importance of community involvement in preventing such crimes: Ganyani told residents that failing to report a crime is in itself a crime.
Josaya Murambiwa, the CACLAZ Programs officer, condemned the actions of brothel owners who exploit these vulnerable children. He emphasised CACLAZ’s commitment to eradicating all forms of child abuse: He said their mandate as CACLAZ is to eradicate all forms of child abuse.
The Chiredzi Pastors Fraternity chairperson, Apostle Jefta Chitendeva, added a religious perspective to the condemnation, highlighting the moral implications of exploiting children: “The bible said a child is a gift from God so it is a crime to indulge in sexual intercourse with an underage girl,” he declared. His statement underscores the moral outrage felt by many within the community regarding this issue.
