Emergent sexual practices among internally displaced persons in Chingwizi.

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to uncover the emerging sexual practices among internally displaced persons in Chingwizi. The construction of the Tokwe-Mukosi dam in Chivi district had led to the displacement of people from their homes due to floods that were caused by excessive rainfall. The main objective of the study was to examine the emergent sexual practices among internally displaced persons in Chingwizi. Qualitative research techniques were carried out in Chingwizi among the internally displaced using observation, interviews and focus group discussions. The findings reveal that forced displacement have impacted heavily on their lifestyles since most of them lost their land, property and livestock. The miserable and unbearable living conditions have forced women and young girls to engage in transactional sexual activities and extra marital affairs so as to provide for their families. Unprotected sex among the displaced has led to the eruption of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and other related Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). In addition to that, because of the harsh living conditions in Chingwizi, young girls started to engage in transactional relationships and most of them would end up opting for early marriages or having unwanted pregnancies. The aid that was given to them was stopped thereby exacerbating poverty among the displaced. I conclude by saying, when situations become tough and sour, like the case in Chingwizi, the displaced usually use their sexuality to create their identities, control and access resources that otherwise they would not access.