A recent study highlights the significant risks associated with “blesser” relationships for young women in South Africa. These arrangements, where older, wealthier men provide financial support in exchange for companionship, can expose vulnerable individuals to severe health threats, including increased chances of HIV infection and gender-based violence.
The term “blesser” has gained traction in South Africa, often linked to the country’s high levels of inequality and youth unemployment. Young women, particularly in urban areas, may view these relationships as a means to elevate their social standing, gaining access to material goods such as smartphones, clothing, and financial assistance for education. However, the findings from this study indicate that these perceived benefits come at a significant cost.
According to research conducted by a team of health economists and social scientists, this marks the first national analysis examining how such relationships impact sexual health outcomes for adolescent girls and young women in South Africa. The study surveyed over 3,000 sexually active participants across eight of the country’s nine provinces, revealing that approximately 6% were involved in relationships with a blesser. This percentage may seem small, but it translates to thousands of young women engaged in high-risk partnerships.
Health Risks Associated with Blessers
The study indicates that young women in blesser relationships face heightened vulnerabilities. Participants involved in these arrangements are significantly more likely to experience adverse health outcomes, including:
– Higher rates of HIV infection
– Increased likelihood of adolescent pregnancies
– Greater exposure to intimate partner violence
The research shows that young women in age-disparate relationships—defined as partnerships where the male partner is five or more years older—also face similar risks. Although relationships with same-age individuals appeared somewhat less risky, the prevalence of age disparity remains a critical factor in adverse outcomes, particularly concerning unintended pregnancies.
The data signifies a troubling trend: adolescent girls and young women in South Africa are twice as likely to be living with HIV compared to their male counterparts, with a prevalence rate of 6.9% among females aged 15-24, versus 3.5% among males. The underlying reasons for this disparity include biological vulnerability and entrenched gender power imbalances that complicate young women’s ability to negotiate safe practices in sexual relationships.
Understanding the Dynamics
The motivations behind entering into relationships with blessers are complex and often tied to economic dependence. Many young women report feeling compelled to accept the terms of these relationships due to financial insecurity. As one participant expressed, “When he says no condom, I can’t say no to him.” Another shared her struggle: “I wanted to leave, but then who would pay my fees?”
These dynamics illustrate the coercive nature of such partnerships, where the older, financially dominant partner often dictates terms related to sexual safety and fidelity. Furthermore, social pressures can encourage young women to pursue these relationships, viewing them as a pathway to financial stability and social visibility.
The study also uncovered that the presence of multiple partners among blessers increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. This concurrency is a significant concern, as it raises the likelihood of transmission among young women who may already be in precarious situations.
The researchers emphasize that transactional relationships should not be viewed solely as personal choices but rather as structures deeply rooted in societal inequality and economic hardship. With a substantial proportion of young women feeling that engaging with a blesser is their only viable option for financial security or educational advancement, the long-term implications on their health and wellbeing are profound.
In South Africa, unintended pregnancies disrupt education, with a striking 12.1% of all births in 2023 occurring to girls aged 10-19, the majority of which were unplanned. Such outcomes severely limit opportunities for young women, perpetuating cycles of poverty and dependence.
As a response to these findings, the researchers propose several urgent priorities for intervention. Young people require comprehensive education about sexual health, power dynamics, and their rights. Additionally, economic opportunities must be expanded to reduce reliance on blessers, and safe spaces for mentoring and counseling should be established to help young women navigate complex relationship dynamics.
Addressing harmful societal norms is equally critical. Engaging men and communities to shift perceptions surrounding these relationships is essential for fostering a healthier environment for young women. The blesser phenomenon reflects broader societal issues rather than individual moral failings, underscoring the need for systemic change.
The research concludes that no young woman should have to choose between short-term security and long-term wellbeing, emphasizing the necessity for creating alternatives that support their health and empowerment.
