Domestic violence legislation in Zimbabwe: Probing into the security of women in rural communities

Girls under surveillance: Engaging Zimbabwean parents on young people’s sexual health

“…These values are tighter in rural areas where adherence to cultural norms and male authority remain important in the performance of rural identities (Comrie-Thomson et al, 2020). From an early age, women are taught to be selfless and responsible for household chores and childcare (Comrie-Thomson et al, 2020;Konyana, 2018). In line with patriarchal culture and despite some opposition, women are routinely subordinated in different aspects of society such as the arts, politics and in marriage (Bengesai and Derera, 2021).…”

“…Notably, sexual activity is sanctioned within a heterosexual marriage centred on reproduction and male satisfaction (Dune and Mupedzahama, 2017;Konyana, 2018). Despite evidence that women seek sexual pleasure outside of this context (Mugweni et al, 2015), marriage remains central in Shona culture (Dune and Mupedzahama, 2017), with women expected to remain subservient and obedient (Konyana, 2018).…”

“…Notably, sexual activity is sanctioned within a heterosexual marriage centred on reproduction and male satisfaction (Dune and Mupedzahama, 2017;Konyana, 2018). Despite evidence that women seek sexual pleasure outside of this context (Mugweni et al, 2015), marriage remains central in Shona culture (Dune and Mupedzahama, 2017), with women expected to remain subservient and obedient (Konyana, 2018). Marriage among the Shona people in Zimbabwe is based on payment of bride wealth to the woman's family in lieu of her labour and future childbearing within the man's family (Comrie-Thomson et al, 2020).…”

Prevalence and under-reporting of sexual abuse in Ruwa: A human rights-based approach

“…Some cultural and religious beliefs and practices also tend to fuel and sanitise sexual abuse in the predominantly patriarchal Zimbabwean society (Hanzi 2006;Konyana 2018;Mawodza 2019;Muridzo & Malianga 2015). Consequently, these crimes are viewed as normal and therefore go unreported.…”

“…Hanzi (2006) also attests to the customary practice of child pledging (kuzvarirwa), which commercialises the girl child as she is pledged in marriage in exchange for food provision during famine or in fulfilment of a pledge made at birth, for example, that a family will look after the child with the assistance of the future husband. Konyana (2018) observed that chiramu, a social norm among the Shona people, whereby elder sisters' or aunts' husbands seduced their wives' younger sisters or brothers' daughters, was another form of sexual abuse of women. In line with this view, Mawodza (2019) argued that the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No.…”