Transactional sexual relationships as obstacles to the full enjoyment of sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescent girls in South Africa

Abstract

Transactional sexual relationships have been studied and written on for quite some time in South Africa. They are often said to be commercial sex work when in reality the two are different. They are defined as non-commercial, non-marital sexual relationships motivated by the assumption that sex will be exchanged for material support. There are various reasons why women and adolescent girls alike engage in transactional sexual relationships, they are common in both rural and urban areas but are more prevalent in poverty-stricken communities. However, poor economic status is not the only reason why adolescent girls engage in transactional sex, other factors include socio-behavioural factors such as peer pressure and sociocultural factors such as intergenerational relationships. These relationships act as obstacles to the full enjoyment of the sexual and reproductive health and rights having been identified as a key factor propelling HIV infection among adolescent girls because they limit the sexual agency and autonomy of adolescent girls. Therefore, adolescent girls in this regard become limited in their exercise of their various SRHR guaranteed under several legislative instruments.