Communal institutions resolving gender-based violence : a case of Seke ward 8, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a challenge across the globe with negative effects on the victims, families, communities and the nations. In Zimbabwe, gender-based violence persists despite the constitutional provisions and efforts by various non-governmental organisations. This study examined how communal institutions, that is, family, religious, and traditional institutions and behaviour change facilitators, in Seke District, Ward 8, resolved GBV. The study used qualitative methods of focus group discussions, interviews, narratives, and observations to investigate the factors sustaining GBV and the methods used by communal institutions to resolve GBV. The study developed a Participatory Action Research (PAR) intervention to reduce GBV and evaluated the short-term results of the intervention. This study noted that the prevalent form of GBV in Ward 8 is domestic violence and child marriages. Domestic violence was manifested through sexual, physical, economic, and emotional violence. These forms of violence were noted to be sustained by culture and religious beliefs, patriarchal norms, economic challenges, infidelity, drug and alcohol abuse, thus indicating that multiple factors sustain GBV in the community. The study’s findings also revealed that communal institutions employ methods such as traditional assemblies, mediation, family conflict resolution, prayers, preachings, fellowships, compromise, silence, referrals to the police and behaviour change campaigns. The findings suggest that the combination of factors sustaining GBV with patriarchal influences within communal institutions’ methods increases the vulnerability of women to violence. The study’s intervention was the development and implementation of a GBV Educational Programme using drama, which was aimed at exposing patriarchal traces found in communal institutions' methods. It increased awareness on GBV, causes of GBV, types and manifestations of GBV and introduced conflict resolution skills. The evaluation process, using focus group discussions, revealed that the educational programme was a success, and it caused behaviour, and norms change in gender norms that reinforced GBV such as the view that gender equality caused GBV, men should not talk of GBV as victims, and husbands cannot rape their wives. It also contributed to the transformation of institutions through reflections on their methods that caused GBV. The study’s findings align with the ecological, conflict transformation theories, and communitybased peace approaches that guided the study.