By Mission Gwafa (ZNFPC Provincial Marketing and Communications Officer)
As the vibrant buzz of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) enveloped Bulawayo, the city transformed into a hub of excitement and opportunity. Young people flocked to the event, drawn by the allure of new experiences, cultural exchanges, and the thrill of being part of something grand. However, amidst the festivities, a troubling trend emerged: drug and substance use, all night parties and teenage sexual activities that could result in alarming increase in teenage pregnancies and HIV/STI infections.
The Allure of the Fair – For many youths, the ZITF represented more than just an exhibition; it was a chance to break free from the constraints of daily life. The fairgrounds were filled with colourful stalls, live music, and the promise of adventure. As teens mingled with visitors from different regions and backgrounds, the atmosphere became charged with newfound freedom and excitement. New sexual relations were established while new gangs were formed by adolescents seeking belonging, fitting in and validation.
Risky Behaviours – With the excitement came riskier behaviours. Many young people, eager to impress and connect, found themselves in situations that blurred the lines of responsibility. The fair’s late-night events and parties provided ample opportunities for casual encounters. Alcohol flowed freely, and with it, inhibitions faded. In the heat of the moment, many young individuals engaged in unprotected sex, unaware of the potential consequences.
The Consequences – It is no surprise that as the days of the fair passed, the reality of young people’s choices began to unfold. Due to indulgence in risky sexual behaviours (sexual orgies, alcohol and substance use and illicit parties) reports of teenagers looking for the emergency contraceptive pill from local pharmacies are usually common especially following the last day of the fair when a grand party duped “Bulawayo Shut Down” is hosted by various musicians in the City of the Queens. Health facilities usually record an influx of young patients seeking treatment for STIs. The joyous atmosphere of the trade fair (if not controlled and watched closely) may inadvertently set the stage for a public health crisis among the youth.
A Call for Awareness – The goal is to transform the excitement of the ZITF into an opportunity for youth engagement, education and empowerment, rather than a gateway to life-altering consequences. Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council and its partners reached out to young people and the community through various activities including radio programs during the ZITF period to create awareness on the benefits of Comprehensive Sexuality Education, Parent-Child Communication, self-awareness, self-empowerment and mental health. Parents were urged to keep a level eye on their children during school holidays and especially over the trade fair period, while young people were educated on the dangers of sexual activities, drug and alcohol use and illicit parties.
The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair is a celebration of commerce and culture, but it also highlights the vulnerabilities of young people. As the event continues to grow, so too must the efforts to protect and educate the youth of Bulawayo. By fostering a culture of awareness and responsibility, the community can ensure that the excitement of the fair leads to opportunities, not challenges.
