A recent study has shed light on the detrimental effects of “blesser” relationships on young women in South Africa. These arrangements involve older, wealthier men providing financial support, gifts, and other benefits in exchange for sexual relationships. While these connections may appear to offer immediate rewards, the study indicates they come with significant long-term health risks.
The term “blesser” is closely associated with South Africa’s stark socio-economic landscape, characterized by extreme inequality and high youth unemployment. According to the World Bank, South Africa ranks as the most unequal country globally, with a youth unemployment rate that significantly impacts young women’s choices. The allure of a blesser relationship often includes access to smartphones, fashionable clothing, and financial assistance, making it seem like a shortcut to improved social status.
This research, led by a team of health economists and social scientists, presents the first national analysis of the implications of these relationships on sexual health outcomes for adolescent girls and young women. The findings highlight alarming trends: young women involved with blessers face a heightened risk of HIV infection, early pregnancy, and gender-based violence. These risks are interconnected, exacerbated by the prevailing socio-economic conditions.
In South Africa, adolescent girls and young women are reported to be twice as likely to be living with HIV compared to their male counterparts. The study emphasizes that factors contributing to this disparity include biological vulnerability, economic dependence, and age-disparate partnerships.
The research analyzed data from over 3,000 sexually active adolescent girls and young women across eight provinces in South Africa. The results revealed that nearly 6% of participants were in a blesser relationship, while over 25% had engaged with age-disparate partners—those at least five years older. Although the incidence of blesser relationships may seem low, it represents a significant number of young women engaged in high-risk situations.
Participants in blesser relationships reported higher rates of sexually transmitted infections, intimate partner violence, and unintended pregnancies compared to their peers not involved in such arrangements. Notably, while relationships with partners of similar age showed somewhat lower risks, age disparity is a crucial factor driving negative outcomes, particularly in terms of pregnancy.
The pathways to risk in these relationships are complex. Older partners often exert control over decision-making, which can inhibit young women’s ability to negotiate safe sex. Financial reliance on blessers can trap young women in relationships that may be unsafe or unsatisfying. As one young woman noted, “I wanted to leave, but then who would pay my fees?”
Additionally, social pressures can influence young women to enter these relationships without fully grasping the associated risks. The phenomenon of being in a relationship with a blesser can carry a certain prestige among peers, which may further normalize such arrangements.
The broader implications of these findings reveal a cycle of poverty and gender inequality. The HIV prevalence among young women aged 15-24 in South Africa stands at 6.9%, compared to 3.5% among males in the same age group. Unplanned pregnancies disrupt educational opportunities, with over 12.1% of births in 2023 to girls aged 10-19 being unplanned. These challenges undermine the health and long-term prospects of young women.
Addressing this issue requires multifaceted solutions. The researchers advocate for comprehensive sexual health education that empowers young women to understand their rights and the dynamics of power in relationships. Creating economic opportunities can reduce reliance on blessers, while safe spaces and mentoring can help young women navigate relationships more effectively.
Furthermore, challenging harmful societal norms and engaging communities in discussions about gender and economic equality are vital steps toward creating a supportive environment for young women. The blesser phenomenon is not simply a moral failing but rather a reflection of systemic issues that need to be addressed.
As these findings demonstrate, no young woman should have to choose between short-term financial security and long-term well-being. It is imperative to work toward sustainable alternatives that offer young women the opportunity to thrive without compromising their health or autonomy.
