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Using data from the Ethnographic Atlas and World Values Survey within a structural equation modelling (GSEM) framework, we analyse how historical social institutions and current gender attitudes influence female employment outcomes, specifically female labour force participation in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We find that patriarchal systems generally reduce female labour force participation, in relation to matriarchal systems. We also find that current gender attitudes have negative effects that appear to be dominated by the historical social institutions. The findings suggest that historical social institutions are important in understanding gender dynamics in SSA because they inform on gender identification and appropriate gender roles.

Introduction: Globally, harmful substance use, coupled with low utilisation of treatment services, is a public health concern. This study sought to explore and measure the various factors responsible for the low utilisation of treatment services among youths using crystal meth in Harare, Zimbabwe. Also, the role of biographic and socio-demographic variables in the utilisation of treatment services was scrutinised. Methods: Participants were randomly sampled from various urban residential settlements across Harare, living with meth use-related problems and participating in the Mubatirapamwe treatment program. Youths aged between 18-30 years participated in a survey, using the pen and questionnaire self-report method. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Results: Factors such as stigma and privacy issues, lack of perceived need for change, lack of readiness to change, and financial constraints emerged as some of the most significant deterrents to utilisation of treatment services. The role of biographic and socio-demographic variables such as gender, race, and employment status were examined in the context of utilisation of treatment services. Conclusions: Mobilisation of resources to drive substance use programs, heighten awareness on substance use related matters, and the integration of substance use treatment programs with primary healthcare are key strategies to bridging the treatment gap. Further research is recommended to explore the role of biographic and socio-demographic variables in the utilisation of treatment services. Recommendations were made for accelerated and expanded research in order to inform practice, by developing context-specific interventions.