The study explores the phenomenon of human trafficking in Zimbabwe’s second republic under President Emerson Mnangagwa. Using conflict theory, the study argues that the discourse of human trafficking in Zimbabwe is a complex phenomenon that has led to women’s and girls’ vulnerability in the Seke District. Primary data gathered from five female core informants who have been the direct victims of human trafficking and three significant others who were the parents and guardians of human trafficking victims. The snowball sampling technique was employed to obtain the female core informants for the in-depth interviews. The study also benefitted from secondary sources such as journal articles, online newspapers, government, and international UN, ILO, UNESCO, and UNICEF reports. The results of this study show that eco-socio and political ills such as a high rate of unemployment, a shortage of essential goods, cash, corruption, electricity, gender inequality, poverty, power relations and the continuous harassment by the security forces such as the police and the army have escalated the vulnerability of women to human trafficking in Zimbabwe. Since Zimbabwe’s eco-political situation is a powerful determinant of both the continuation and abandonment of the human trafficking social phenomena, this study recommends that the present government solve the grassroots causes of the phenomena. With enforcement at the grassroots level and regional and international initiatives, human trafficking can be combated.

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Maternal mortality is among the neglected problem in the District of Uzumba, Zimbabwe. This qualitative study therefore, explores the patriarchal hegemonies embedded in the socio-cultural harmful practices, traditions, beliefs, values and norms associated with maternal mortality in Uzumba district. These have been neglected in the reduction initiatives of maternal mortality. The originality of this study lies in the use of primary data through interviews and observation methods on the key informants and significant. Snowballing technique was employed in this study to select the key informants and significant others. The study have also benefited from the proliferation of secondary data on the social phenomena of maternal mortality across the globe. The results of the study showed that, despite the medical related causes of maternal mortality, the non-medical aspects such as patriarchal hegemonies in the socio-cultural practices, beliefs, traditions, norms, values and perceptions play a significant role in escalating maternal mortality especially in Uzumba district, Zimbabwe. The article therefore, recommends that maternal mortality reduction needs more of a holistic approach of medical and non-medical initiatives as it is still the major problem in Zimbabwe’s rural communities. Therefore, maternal mortality can be addressed and reduced within the socio-cultural context as shown in Uzumba district, Zimbabwe.

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