Sex for money: South African study reveals the harm that ‘blessers’ can do to young women

By Gavin George, Programe Leader, Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal

A “blesser” is typically an older, relatively wealthier man who provides a younger woman with money, gifts, school fees or lifestyle access in exchange for a relationship that includes sex. Similar arrangements exist around the world, often called “sugar-daddy” relationships, but the South African version is closely tied to extreme inequality, youth unemployment, and a culture in which conspicuous consumption carries strong social currency. As a result, “blesser” has become a mainstream, even aspirational term among some young…

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