Toxic sexual relationships fuel HIV infection

IN contemporary society, the dynamics of marriage have evolved to a point where the true essence of partnership seems threatened.

It is often possible to identify a married couple - even strangers - simply by their demeanour; a lack of conversation during a shared walk or two people in a car with little or no conversation and the passenger is facing away then that is a married couple. This however, hints at the familiarity and sometimes the discomfort that can arise in long-term relationships.

Our understanding of marriage has shifted significantly, leading to a pressing need to restore balance and integrity to this fundamental institution. Marriage, historically regarded as a sanctuary of love, warmth, happiness, and security, is increasingly seen as a source of strife, stress, and even tragic outcomes, including violence and suicide. This disintegration of marital bonds can be attributed to various factors, with the consequences far-reaching, particularly concerning issues like HIV infections. There are many reasons which we can attribute to the marital breakdown which if allowed to go unchecked will lead to a total breakdown of the marital institution in Zimbabwe. One significant factor contributing to the breakdown of marriages is the empowerment and emancipation of women.

Since independence, women have gained freedoms that have transformed their roles in society. This shift, often celebrated as part of the Beijing Conference's ideals, has fostered a new generation of women who are confident, assertive, sexually free, more beautiful, more sexually attractive, and aware of their desires within romantic relationships. In contrast to traditional norms where men typically initiated sexual encounters, today's women are not shy to express their sexual needs openly. This newfound freedom has led some to engage in relationships outside the bounds of marriage, including seeking attention from friends of their spouses. Such behaviours have unfortunately contributed to the collapse of many marriages, exposing the vulnerability of relationships to outside influences. Many men will agree with me that today's woman is very attractive and very sexually tempting too.

There is also a wide range of differently physically structured ladies out there to choose from. There are ladies with wide hips and narrow waist lines, booty ladies, slim and firm ladies you name it and all these ladies have learnt the best tricks to lure men into their evil lairs. The allure of attraction appears stronger than ever, as men increasingly find themselves captivated by women who present a tempting mix of beauty and confidence.

A wide diversity of women with different body shapes and charms adds to the challenge; each woman brings unique qualities that can lure men away from their commitments. The thrill of engaging with someone deemed forbidden or dangerous often enhances the appeal, prioritising excitement over fidelity. Moreover, the current landscape complicates matters further. Some married women are now perceived as more accessible and enticing than traditional sex workers, presenting a paradox in the world of romance and desire. Their willingness to seek sexual encounters puts them in a position where they sometimes offer financial incentives to their partners, blurring the line between romantic interest and transactional relationships.

Sex is sweeter in a very dangerous setting because sex is naturally a very violent activity loaded with vicious fighting so the more danger involved the more exciting. Today, sexual engagements often take place in contexts laden with excitement and risk, reflecting a broader cultural shift that can lead to dangerous consequences, including the potential increase in HIV infections.

The juxtaposition of thrill with intimacy transforms relationships into high-stakes games, where the emotional and physical well-being of the parties involved is jeopardised. Today's woman has perfected the art of sex and is ready to show her skills to anyone willing to taste her bitter sweet, honey pot for payment in either cash or kind. At no time has marriage been so threatened in Zimbabwe than now.

The marriage institution has all along been a source of warmth, happiness, peace and security for those within and outside but now marriage has become a source of strife, stress, disharmony, murders and suicides among other issues. There are many reasons which we can attribute to the marital breakdown which if allowed to go unchecked will lead to a total breakdown of the marital institution.