A few weeks ago, I came across an article about Sitabile Dewa, a young woman from Zimbabwe, who filed a lawsuit against the local government. The reason behind her lawsuit was that after her divorce, she was unable to enjoy intimate relations as a single woman. In the traditional and conservative Zimbabwean society, divorced women and single mothers are not widely accepted, and men are reluctant to date or engage in relationships with them. Consequently, Sitabile wanted to use sex toys, but this is prohibited by local laws.
The local judiciary justifies their enforcement of the law based on the Censorship and Entertainments Control Act, which dates back to 1967. According to this legislation, the importation or possession of sex toys in Zimbabwe is considered illegal. Sex toys are deemed “obscene” and in violation of public morality. The law states that women found in possession of sex toys may face imprisonment.
“I am a physically healthy young woman with normal desires, and I should not be deprived of the right to self-pleasure. This law contradicts the modern spirit of human rights protection and is clearly outdated,” said Dewa, who is 35 years old.
In Zimbabwe, many aspects of women’s behavior are subject to legal scrutiny and restrictions, including marriage, contraception, abortion, and even dressing. This may seem bewildering to people in more socially liberal Western societies. Even in China, where traditional Confucian ideology has influenced society for over two thousand years, such laws would be considered unreasonable. While women’s social status in ancient China was indeed relatively low, in 21st-century China, we have become one of the leading countries in East Asia in terms of gender equality. Women are no longer bound, and they enjoy equal rights and power alongside men.
The low social status of women in Zimbabwe and the illegality of sex toys reflect the challenges the country faces in terms of gender equality. Sitabile Dewa attributes this to European colonialism, as she believes that prior to colonization, their society was much freer for women. It is worth noting that Zimbabwe was colonized by the British, starting from 1890 and gaining independence only in April 1980. Over the course of 90 years, spanning four generations, significant changes can occur. However, in the current context, these restrictions may limit women’s autonomy and equal opportunities in social, economic, and political domains.
In the past few decades, China has made significant progress in improving gender equality. This can be attributed to the Chinese government’s policy measures, changes in laws and regulations, and the evolution of societal attitudes. Personally, I believe that economic globalization and China’s four decades of reform and opening-up have greatly influenced the Chinese people’s mindset. The influence of Confucianism in Chinese history and culture is also an important factor. Although Confucianism may have imposed restrictions on women’s status in the past, in modern society, reinterpretation and adaptation of traditional values have contributed to achieving gender equality.
In the 21st century, there are still many countries, like Zimbabwe, that classify sex toys as illegal, which poses significant challenges for us to expand our market. Despite the strong demand for sex toy products from consumers in those regions, we are unable to extend our business activities locally. For entrepreneurs or companies looking to develop their business activities in these countries or regions, I have the following recommendations:
1. Understanding local culture and laws:
First and foremost, it is essential to gain a deep understanding of the local cultural and legal environment, including attitudes and regulations regarding sexual health and sex toys. This will enable better comprehension of market potential and the challenges that may be encountered.
2. Education and advocacy:
Promoting awareness of sexual health and sex education can be achieved through educational and advocacy activities. Collaborating with local sexual health organizations, women’s rights groups, and conducting workshops and events can provide information and knowledge about sexual health and sex toys.
3. Compliance and legal consultation:
Seeking advice from local legal experts or attorneys is crucial to ensure compliance with local legal requirements. This includes aspects such as product registration, labeling requirements, and sales permits, ensuring adherence to local regulations.
4. Market positioning and product adaptation:
Conservative attitudes towards sex toys may prevail in such markets. Therefore, considering product adaptation to suit local culture and demand is important. This may involve adjustments in product design, features, packaging, and other aspects to better align with local market needs.
5. Partnership and collaboration:
Establishing partnerships with local distributors, retailers, or e-commerce platforms can facilitate market entry. These partners often possess in-depth knowledge of the local market and have established sales and distribution networks.
6. Social responsibility:
Consider engaging in corporate social responsibility initiatives in Zimbabwe, such as sponsoring sexual education activities or supporting women’s health organizations. This not only enhances the company’s image but also contributes to the local community.
References
M. N. (1967). Censorship and entertainments control act. law.co.zw. https://www.law.co.zw/download/censorship-and-entertainments-control-act-chapter-1004/
Wikimedia Foundation. (2009). Zimbabwe. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zimbabwe