Excellent Chireshe

Examining the Perceptions of Zimbabwean Women about the Domestic Violence Act

The purpose of this study is to qualitatively examine how Christian women from Zimbabwe perceived the effectiveness of the Domestic Violence Act in preventing and responding to domestic violence. The study also aims to understand the unique social, cultural, and religious context of the participants that affect their attitudes and beliefs about this legislation. The findings of the study are based on an analysis of qualitative interviews. The women were recruited from the Roman Catholic Church (RCC); Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ); Methodist Church in Zimbabwe (MCZ); Zimbabwe Assembly of God Africa (ZAOGA), and Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in the Masvingo urban area. Most of the participants expressed confidence in the Act, saying that it goes a long way in curbing domestic violence. The participants who indicated lack of confidence in the Act argued that it is contrary to the teachings of their Christian denominations. The study also revealed that lack of confidence in the Act is due to lack of knowledge about the legislation. In particular, many were unaware of the fact that physical, psychological, and emotional abuse constitutes justification for a protection order that can remain in force when a protected person is living with the perpetrator. The article discusses these findings in relation to domestic violence in other cultures and countries and recommends raising awareness of the importance of this useful piece of legislation.

Sexual harassment of female students in three selected high schools in urban Masvingo, Zimbabwe

abstract This study sought to establish the nature and extent of sexual harassment of female students in coeducational high schools in urban Masvingo, Zimbabwe. The survey design, incorporating questionnaires and interviews, was adopted, and a purposefully selected sample of 60 female peer educators (students) and 9 school counsellors (teachers) participated. Data were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The study revealed that sexual harassment of female students was rampant in schools, where they experienced mostly physical, verbal and sexual harassment perpetrated mostly by males (teachers and students). The study also revealed that sexual harassment was viewed in terms of victim-initiated, perpetrator-related and mystical factors. It also emerged that often the sexually harassed female students do not report the abuse, mainly due to social factors. Recommendations are made to alleviate sexual harassment.

Monogamous marriage in Zimbabwe: An insurance against HIV and AIDS?

abstract The study sought to establish whether and to what extent monogamous marriages in Zimbabwe serve as havens against HIV and AIDS. A qualitative design incorporating interviews and focus group discussions was employed. A conveniently selected sample of 26 respondents (12 male and 14 female) aged between 21 and 55 years at a university in Zimbabwe participated in the study. Data were thematically analysed. The study revealed that while marriage to some extent was an important factor in curbing the spread of HIV and AIDS, it was also a risk factor. It emerged that while both married men and women were at risk, women were more vulnerable due to socio-cultural and economic factors. It emerged that those in monogamous marriage unions did not necessarily stick to one partner, but on the contrary engaged in secret extra-marital affairs to avoid public reprimand and so protect their public images. Furthermore, results indicated that unmarried women were relatively safer than married women in terms of exposure to HIV and AIDS as they were in a better position to negotiate safer sex.

The Teaching of African Traditional Religion in Primary Schools in Zimbabwe: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract Zimbabwes Education Ministry recommended the teaching of African Traditional Religion in recognition of its multi-religious society. This study sought to establish the extent to which African Traditional Religion is taught in primary schools, the challenges faced by teachers, and opportunities for promoting its teaching. A descriptive survey design was used. A sample of 171 Bachelor of Education (In-Service) primary students of Great Zimbabwe University participated in the study. Data was collected through questionnaires and analysis of Religious and Moral Education syllabi. The study revealed that African Traditional Religion is not given due attention. Recommendations for effective teaching were made.

Child Abuse: Psychosocial and Religious Intervention Strategies in Zimbabwe

The article examines psychosocial and religious intervention strategies used to prevent and manage child abuse in Zimbabwe. Psychosocial interventions used include primary, secondary and tertiary interventions. Religious interventions include primary and tertiary intervention. It appears that the intervention strategies are used mostly by professionals who offer psychosocial support than by religious organizations.

Christian Women’s Experiences of Domestic Violence in Zimbabwe:

This study investigated Zimbabwean Christian women who had experienced domestic violence with a view to finding out the forms of violence these women experienced at the hands of their male intimate partners. The qualitative investigation was informed by the feminist paradigm. Data were collected, by means of in-depth semistructured interviews, from 22 Christian women who were purposefully selected. The women were aged 18 and above and stayed in and around urban Masvingo, Zimbabwe. Data were analyzed thematically. The study revealed diverse but interrelated forms of domestic violence, namely, physical, verbal/emotional, sexual, and economic. Knowledge of forms of domestic violence could assist social workers to come up with relevant intervention strategies to curb domestic violence. Further research going beyond the scope of the current one would enrich an understanding of domestic violence in the form of intimate partner violence.

Lived Experiences of Informal Settlers in Peri-Urban Districts in Zimbabwe

The study explored the lived experiences of informal settlers in two peri-urban cities of Zimbabwe (n=53, males=19, females=34; Age range 18 to 76 years). The settlers self-reported on aspects of wellbeing, including perceived neighborliness of habitats. Data were thematically analyzed. The informal settlers felt insecure, psychologically stressed and socially marginalized. Some reported being optimistic about the future and their life chances in general.