“Semester Marriages” and the Unintended Psycho-Social Challenges within Institutions of Higher Learning: Implications for Social Work Practice

Itai Hlonie Mafa; Tapiwanashe G. Simango; Robert Kudakwashe Chigangaidze; Elia Mudehwe

doi:10.18778/1733-8077.20.2.02

Authors

Itai Hlonie Mafa Women’s University in Africa, Zimbabwe
Tapiwanashe G. Simango Midlands State University, Zimbabwe
Robert Kudakwashe Chigangaidze Staffordshire University, UK
Elia Mudehwe Midlands State University, Zimbabwe https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7090-7132

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/1733-8077.20.2.02

Keywords:

“Semester Marriages”, University Students, Sexuality, School Social Work, Psycho-Social Support

Abstract

The sexual economy prevalent within universities, as well as how young people perceive, interpret, and experience their sexuality, present complex dynamics, which, if not handled with great emotional intelligence, may disrupt their educational aspirations. This paper investigates the psycho-social implications of “semester marriages” within institutions of higher learning. Guided by principles of the qualitative approach and the theory of planned action, the paper disinterred that students experienced intense regret and guilt as a result of backstreet abortions. Soul-tie complications emanating from sharing the “wife-husband” bond also made it difficult for some students to move on after a breakup, leading to disruptions in their educational focus. In extreme cases, such an inability to deal with the adverse effects of “semester marriages” culminated in crimes of passion. The paper desists from pathologizing the “semester marriages” phenomenon and advocates for the strengthening of psycho-social support modalities within university settings to increase the accessibility and visibility of therapeutic services through a school social work model. Furthermore, universities, in partnership with other relevant stakeholders, are urged to prioritize sexual and reproductive education and services among the youth as provided for in the Constitution of Zimbabwe of 2013 to impart life skills that can equip students to make informed sexual and reproductive decisions.

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Author Biographies

Itai Hlonie Mafa, Women’s University in Africa, Zimbabwe

Dr. Itai Hlonie Mafa holds a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in social work. She is currently a Dean of the Faculty of Social and Gender Transformative Sciences at Women’s University in Africa. She is passionate about social inclusion and social justice.

Tapiwanashe G. Simango, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe

Ms. Tapiwanashe G. Simango is a clinical social worker, social justice advocate, and a lecturer at the Department of Social Work at Midlands State University.

Robert Kudakwashe Chigangaidze, Staffordshire University, UK

Mr. Robert Kudakwashe Chigangaidze is a lecturer of social work, health, and social care at Staffordshire University, United Kingdom. He is a social work academic and practitioner with special interests in human rights, ubuntu philosophy, and social work theories. He is part of the Africa Social Work Network’s Ubuntu Research Group.

Elia Mudehwe, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe

Mr. Elia Mudehwe is a licensed social work practitioner with a Master’s degree in social work from the University of Zimbabwe and has a special interest in child safeguarding. Elia has seven years of experience working with children and families, including court work, and his whole career revolves around supporting children in various circumstances of deprivation.

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