'Sugar daddies' preying on university, college students in Zimbabwe

Legislators in Zimbabwe have raised concerns over the vulnerability of female university and college students to exploitation by older men, commonly known as "sugar daddies," due to economic hardships forcing them into prostitution. During a recent Parliamentary session, MPs emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to reintroduce student loan schemes to protect these young women from engaging in risky behaviors such as unprotected sex for financial support.

Kwekwe Central MP Judith Tobaiwa highlighted the pervasive issue, calling for policy measures to address the threats faced by the girl-child in higher education settings. Transport Minister Felix Mhona acknowledged the seriousness of the problem, emphasizing that such practices contradict cultural norms and values. He mentioned existing government efforts to provide fee support through work-study programs and stressed the importance of raising awareness about these opportunities to deter students from resorting to unethical means to sustain themselves.

Responding to queries from MPs about the reintroduction of government grants and loans for higher education, Minister Mhona affirmed the government's consideration of such initiatives to support disadvantaged students, including efforts to improve accommodation facilities at universities and colleges. Opposition MPs also expressed concerns over economic inequality driving prostitution among students, prompting assurances from the Minister about ongoing measures to address these inequalities.

Overall, the Parliamentary session underscored the need for comprehensive government support to safeguard female students from exploitation and ensure their access to safe and conducive learning environments.