Sexual Dalliance in Zimbabwe: A Constitutional and Human Rights Perspective
Obdiah Mawodza

Abstract
Cultural norms and practices play an influential role especially in most communities across the globe. This is also true in Zimbabwe where these form the moral ingredient that epitomises a sense of identity, purpose and belonging. Despite these high moral values, the paper argues that the cultural practice of sexual dalliance, indigenously known as chiramu, violates the rights of girl children and yet, has not received enough scholarly criticism. This argument finds its basis from the recently enacted 2013 Constitution that has a strong bias towards the protection and promotion of human rights. In this regard, the article firstly gives an overview of the practice. Secondly, it highlights the negative effects of sexual dalliance on girl children. Thirdly, it shows that the custom of sexual dalliance does not pass the constitutional muster in safeguarding the rights of girls. Finally, the paper suggests possible recommendations that maybe useful in protecting girls against discriminatory cultural practices, such as chiramu.

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