Do Fakes Exist? Trade and Consumption of Sex Enhancers in Harare's Avenues

Abstract

After the ban of over-the-counter sex enhancers in 2013 by the Medical Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ), the streets of the inner city area of Harare called The Avenues became a haven for illegal traders in sex enhancers. This article explores how products that are banned by the state acquire their own agencies. From the traders’ perspectives, the point of departure to understanding efficacy is not the sex enhancers, but their clients’ needs and their body systems. Thus, the authenticity of the products ceases to be a point of reference. The trade and consumption of sex enhancers amongst Zimbabweans is itself intricately intertwined with the broader political economy of the country. A deteriorating economy has engendered a crisis of masculinity which has contributed towards increased trade and consumption in sex enhancers. The article argues that drug efficacy is a complex phenomenon, whose conceptualisation and manifestations are fluid and not always pharmacological. The research documents six months in The Avenues as research “field”, enriched by both online and traditional ethnographies. The analysis aims to understand perceptions of and dynamics around the efficacy of sex enhancers sold in Harare’s urban streets.

Girls under surveillance: Engaging Zimbabwean parents on young people’s sexual health

“…In Zimbabwe, scholars have repeatedly attested to the limited choices available in education (Bengesai and Derera, 2021), high unemployment (Bengesai and Derera, 2021; Skovdal et al, 2022) and uncertainty in the economic and political context (Kufakurinani, 2022; Mutopo, 2010). Early marriage and parents’ aspirations and ideals about future marriage possibilities for their daughters must be considered both in relation to these factors and the policing and regulation of female sexuality more generally.…”

“…Shona cultural values and practices are largely patriarchal (Kufakurinani, 2022), with gender and sexuality profoundly shaped by what are seen as traditional cultural values. These values are tighter in rural areas where adherence to cultural norms and male authority remain important in the performance of rural identities (Comrie-Thomson et al, 2020).…”

“…In line with patriarchal culture and despite some opposition, women are routinely subordinated in different aspects of society such as the arts, politics and in marriage (Bengesai and Derera, 2021). On the other hand, men are expected to be heads of households and economic providers (Comrie-Thomson et al, 2020; Kufakurinani, 2022).…”