According to the latest Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS), women in Harare and Bulawayo are leading the pack when it comes to alcohol consumption. Because alcohol consumption is a a social life on its on.
Women in these two cities are reportedly knocking back more drinks than their counterparts in other provinces. Harare takes the top spot, with 12% of women admitting to drinking in the past month, followed closely by Bulawayo at 9%. Meanwhile, Matabeleland North is over here being the responsible one, with only 4% of women indulging in a drink (or two, or three…).
Among the women who do drink, 32% are going all in – six or more drinks per session, hello! That’s binge drinking, folks. Another 26% are keeping it light with just one drink, while the rest are somewhere in between. On average, these ladies are downing 3.4 drinks per session. Because, you know, moderation is overrated.
Urban women are more likely to drink than their rural counterparts, with 10% of urban women reporting alcohol use compared to 4% in rural areas. Guess the city life just can’t be beat when it comes to happy hour.
The data comes from the 2023-2024 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) findings published by ZIMSTAT, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care. Maybe they should add a section on “Drinking as a Coping Mechanism for City Stress”? Just saying.
The intensity of drinking among some women, especially in Harare and Bulawayo, may pose health risks. Understatement of the year? These women are playing with fire, and their livers are probably crying out for help.
6% of women in Zimbabwe reported drinking in the previous month, compared to 35% of men. Guess the men are still winning the drinking game. But hey, at least the women are trying?
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