06 Jun 2023

Young women have been cautioned not to fall prey to older men who use their financial power to entice them into sexual relationships.

Speaking during the North East District wellness day on Saturday, District AIDS Coordinator, Mr Chris Moseki, said there was a growing tendency among financially well-off older men to abuse their position by hoodwinking younger women into intergenerational sexual relationships in exchange for material gifts, and even money.

He urged women not to allow their situations to lead them into risky behaviour such as engaging in concurrent multiple sexual relationships. He advised young women that not every man who professed to love them was genuine, and therefore they should not be quick to enter into relationships that they may end up regretting.

Mr Moseki further warned them against giving out their phone numbers to strangers who profess to love them.

Among the day’s participants was the youth movement DREAMS, which is an acronym for, Determined Resilient Empowered AIDS Free Mentored and Safe.

Its Coordinator, Ms Kimberly Pabalinga, told BOPA that it was formed to work with girls and young women within the 9-24 age bracket to empower them, and ensure that they remain HIV-negative.

Pabalinga said DREAMS offers various services that include guidance, counselling, psycho-social support, Gender-Based Violence awareness, and screening.

She indicated that DREAMS provided a safe space for peers to meet and discuss issues relating to good health, GBV, teenage pregnancy and other topics of concern to them.

“Through our empowerment programmes, the young women learn how to deal with different situations they may encounter throughout their lives, including how to emphatically say ‘no’, especially at this early stage when they are still very impressionable and vulnerable,” Pabalinga explained.

She said that in just two years, DREAMS has screened over 700 girls and some were found to be HIV positive, leading to 20 being enrolled in the national ARV programme.

Welcoming the day’s participants, District Youth Coordinator, Ms Onthatile Takaruana, said the Wellness Day has been in existence for a long time, but was halted briefly due to COVID-19 restrictions.

She advised that it has since been decided that the event would be held every second Friday of each month, and urged all to take advantage of the day by engaging in the various activities. ENDS