Love for Sale: The Hidden Cost of Transactional Relationships in Eswatini"

 

Just yesterday, NERCHA (National Emergency Response Council on HIV/AIDS) issued a statement in the newspaper that has caused a stir in our collective. The brief report highlights an alarming rise in HIV infections among young people aged 14 to 24. This age group, particularly young women, is becoming increasingly vulnerable, and many are wondering what could be driving this troubling trend.

One of the major factors could be the rise in transactional relationships between older men and younger women. We all know that in our country it’s not uncommon to see older men, often referred to as “blessers,” involved with young women, sometimes girls. These relationships are usually based on the exchange of money, gifts, or even lifestyle upgrades, like iphones or luxury items, for companionship, which often includes sexual favors. For many young women, especially those out of school or struggling to make ends meet, these relationships seem like an easy way out of poverty.

But the reality is far from easy. Transactional relationships come with many risks, and one of the most dangerous is exposure to HIV. In these relationships, older men hold the power. They control the finances and, in many cases, control the dynamics of the relationship. This power imbalance makes it hard for young women to negotiate for safer sex, like insisting on condom use. Many fear that if they demand protection, they will lose the financial support they desperately need. This dynamic leaves them vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

Older men engaging in these relationships may have multiple partners and may not be upfront about their sexual health status. This increases the risk of spreading HIV, especially when they engage in unprotected sex. Unfortunately, young women in these situations often have little to no leverage to ask about their partner’s sexual health or history. You see, the nature of the relationship, driven by the exchange of goods or money, puts the focus on material needs rather than on safety and health.

The situation is further complicated by the lack of comprehensive sexual education and access to health services for young people. Many teenagers and young adults lack the information they need to protect themselves from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Without proper education, they may not fully understand the risks they are taking, or they may not know where to turn for help. Additionally, the stigma around discussing sexual health in many communities discourages young people from seeking information or getting tested.

The impact of these relationships goes beyond physical health. The emotional and psychological toll on young women can be devastating. Instead of feeling empowered, many of these young women feel used, undervalued, and trapped in a cycle of dependency. Society often judges them harshly, labeling them negatively, even though some of them are driven into these relationships out of necessity. The stigma they face can make them feel isolated and unable to seek help or break free from these situations.

Speculatively, the rise in HIV infections among young people could be directly linked to the increasing prevalence of these transactional relationships. Poverty and lack of opportunities push many young women into these risky situations. With limited access to jobs, education, and other forms of support, they see transactional relationships as one of their few options for survival. However, this choice comes at a great cost to their health and well-being.

Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach. First, there needs to be a concerted effort to improve sexual education for young people in Eswatini. Comprehensive sexual education can help young people understand the risks of transactional relationships and empower them to make safer choices. It can also encourage open discussions about sexual health and reduce the stigma around seeking help.

Secondly, expanding access to health services is crucial. Ensuring that young people, especially young women, have access to free or affordable sexual health services, including testing and treatment for HIV and other STIs, could help mitigate the rise in infections. Community programs that offer support, education, and resources to young women could provide alternatives to engaging in transactional relationships.

Finally, creating more opportunities for young women is essential. By providing access to education, vocational training, and economic opportunities, we can help break the cycle of dependency that drives young women into transactional relationships. This will not only reduce their risk of HIV infection but also empower them to build better futures for themselves.

In conclusion, while transactional relationships may seem like a quick fix to financial problems for many young women in our land, they often lead to deeper and more dangerous issues, including the rising tide of HIV infections. Addressing this requires education, healthcare, and economic empowerment to ensure young women have the tools and opportunities they need to live healthy, independent lives.