Nearly half of Zimbabwe's women have sex before finishing high school. Government surveys show 43 percent lose their virginity during school years. Most women become sexually active around age 18. The 2023-24 health survey studied thousands of people. About 70 percent have first sexual experience before turning 20.
Boys wait longer than girls to have sex. Men lose their virginity at almost 20 years old compared to women at 18. Only 25 percent of men have sex before finishing high school versus 43 percent of women. The gap raises questions about sexual education and health services. Experts worry about teen pregnancy and school dropouts.
Health workers say early sexual activity creates problems for young women. Many girls become pregnant before completing education. Zimbabwe's schools struggle to support teen mothers. Rural and poor families face the biggest challenges. Some girls have relationships with older men who provide money or gifts.
Boys wait longer than girls to have sex. Men lose their virginity at almost 20 years old compared to women at 18. Only 25 percent of men have sex before finishing high school versus 43 percent of women. The gap raises questions about sexual education and health services. Experts worry about teen pregnancy and school dropouts.
Health workers say early sexual activity creates problems for young women. Many girls become pregnant before completing education. Zimbabwe's schools struggle to support teen mothers. Rural and poor families face the biggest challenges. Some girls have relationships with older men who provide money or gifts.
