Background: This study is coming against the background of people with epilepsy who are abandoning anti-epilepsy medication in developing countries, such as Zimbabwe.Aim: The aim of this article was therefore to review the general side effects and challenges associated with these anti-epilepsy medications.Setting: The researchers reviewed literature related to the general side effects, psychological, social and economic challenges associated with anti- epilepsy medication.Methods: To answer the research questions, the researchers used a narrative approach.Results: Findings of the study reflected that the general side effects associated with anti- epilepsy medication include feelings of tiredness, stomach upset, dizziness or blurred vision, which usually happen during the first weeks of taking medicines. Psychologically, an individual with epilepsy may suffer cognitive problems that are associated with thinking, remembering, paying attention or concentrating and finding the right words to use. Socially, people with epilepsy experience social isolation, dependent behaviour, low rates of marriages, unemployment and reduced quality of life. Using anti-epilepsy medication is also associated with economic challenges.Conclusion: The researchers concluded that some people with epilepsy have discontinued using anti-epilepsy medications because of these side effects and challenges.

In this article, we focus on patriarchy, women, land and livelihoods on A1 farms in Zimbabwe which arose from the fast track land reform programme. There is now significant literature on A1 farms in Zimbabwe. These studies include a number of ethnographic and comparative studies but this literature does not give sustained attention to patriarchy and women. In addition, though, a small number of works have appeared based upon a more focused gender analysis. We draw upon this more focused literature and offer fresh fieldwork evidence based on recent studies undertaken by two of the authors, in Goromonzi and Mazowe districts. At times, radical socio-spatial reorganisation such as fast track may destabilise systems of patriarchy. In the case of fast track, there has been a reconfiguration of relations between men and women yet this is uneven and contradictory and remains within the confines of patriarchal structures, practices and discourses. At the same time, women have manoeuvred and negotiated at local levels to enhance their lives and livelihoods.

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To cite this article: Manase Chiweshe (2014) One of the boys: female fans' responses to the masculine and phallocentric nature of football stadiums in Zimbabwe, Critical African Studies, 6:2-3, 211-222, Studies of football fandom from across the world all highlight masculine and misogynistic tendencies amongst the fans, players and administrators who populate football stadiums. Domination of men's football spaces by men makes stadiums hostile environments for women who are often physically and verbally abused. This paper outlines the experiences of female fans who attend matches in Zimbabwe. It provides a nuanced analysis of female fans' responses to the masculine and phallocentric nature of the football stadium. In Zimbabwe female fans are increasing in number, challenging the dominant belief that stadiums are no-go areas for women. Using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 40 female fans, the paper highlights how women react, negotiate and respond to misogynistic and vulgar songs and chants. This research in Zimbabwe brings to the fore the voices of female fans and how they construct the stadium experience. The paper draws from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to highlight how female fans cope with masculine nature of stadiums. Women use various strategies such as joining in the singing, remaining oblivious, sitting in quieter parts of the stadium and responding to abusers. IntroductionThe presence of women in largely male-dominated spaces such as football stadiums offers interesting questions about the paradoxical nature of female fandom. This paper focuses on part of the female fan experience in football stadium using women who attend matches in Harare, Zimbabwe. Scholars (Agnew 2006; Gosling 2007; Jones 2008) from across the world have shown how football stadiums are punctuated by abusive, misogynistic and phallocentric images. As such they are highly female unfriendly, yet the number of female fans is increasing across the world. The question is then, how do women respond to the abusive and denigrating atmosphere regularly experienced at football stadiums and what strategies are used to counter this? What mechanisms do they use to survive the misogynistic attacks from male fans? Using a sample of 40 purposively sampled fans, this paper offers an exploratory endeavour into understanding how female fans respond to masculine cultures that dominate football stadiums. The research begins from the standpoint that female fans are not a homogeneous or special group. They are differentiated in the same manner as male fans and are attracted to football for varied reasons. This study thus avoids essentialising the female fan or depicting them as anything other than Critical African Studies 2014.6:211-222. ordinary fans. In this paper, I highlight how they negotiate stadium spaces which are intrinsically sexist. There are many female fandoms which explain why women respond to sexism within the stadium in different ways. The importance of this paper is that it highlights the need for a se...