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Myths and taboos: deconstructing patriarchy through intimate partner violence awareness

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Myths and taboos: deconstructing patriarchy through intimate partner violence awareness

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Content Running head: MYTHS AND TABOOS: DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY THROUGH
IPV AWARENESS IN ZIMBABWE. 1
Deconstructing Patriarchy through IPV awareness.
Capstone Project
Idah Taruwinga, LICSW, Doctoral Candidate
Doctor of Social Work
University of Southern California
December 2019
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY i

Acknowledgments

I am grateful to the Lord almighty for this journey. My gratitude goes to Dr. Rank, Dr. Lewis,
Dr. Islam, and Irvin Katz for guiding me through my studies, for helping me reach goals and
dreams that seemed impossible before. Thank you to my husband and children, Patience,
Rutendo, Ruvimbo, and Rukudzo Taruwinga. I would have never done this without your
unwavering support. To my father, Moses, and mother, Tracy Gudyanga, you taught me to work
hard and never give up, thank you. Cohort 5 thanks for being the best colleagues l could have
ever asked for through this journey.

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Table of Contents

Acknowledgments…………………………………………………………………………… i
Executive Summary……………………………………………………………………. …..iii
Problem Statement & Prevalence…………………………………………………………...2
General Description of the Proposed Innovation…………………………………………..6
Comparative analysis………………………………………………………………………...6
Research, Practice, and Innovation………………………………………………………....7
Gaps in Knowledge and Impact……………………………………………………………11
Description of Conceptual Framework and Theory of Change………………………….12
Problems of Practice and Solution/Innovations
Explanation of design……………………………………………………………….13
Justification of innovation………………………………………………………….16
Description of the proposed impact………………………………………………..17
How the Project will improve the Grand Challenge area ……………………….18
Feedback from stakeholders on proposed solutions and feasibility……………..19
How innovative solutions are positioned within history, policy, and public
knowledge…………………………………………………………………………...20
Evidence/data to show the impact………………………………………………....21
Description of political, organizational, and community allies……………….…21
Description of political, organizational, and community obstacles……………...22
Analysis of alternative pathways…………………………………………………..23
Project Structure, Methodology, and Action Components
Exploration Phase…………………………………………………………………..24
Preparation Phase…………………………………………………………………..25
Implementation Phase……………………………………………………………...26
Sustainment Phase………………………………………………………………….27
Description of Measurement of Outcomes………………………………………..28
Measurement of the Outcome……………………………………………………...28
Plan for Stakeholder Involvement………………………………………………....29
Communication plan and strategies to engage audiences………………………..30
Dissemination plan for broader impact…………………………………………...31
Ethical Concerns and Possible Negative Consequences………………………….31
Conclusions, Actions, and Implications
Summary of Project Plans and
Conclusions………………………………………………………………………………….32
How the Project Will Improve Practice and policy……………………………....33
Limitations and Risks: Recommendations for Future Work…………………....34
References…………………………………………….………………………………….….36

DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY iii

Appendix A: Patriarchy………………………………………………………………….43
Appendix B: “ Lobola”: Bridal Price…………………………………………………….43
Appendix C: Mega Voice Solar-Powered Audio……………………………………….44
Appendix D: Zimbabwe Domestic Violence Act of 2006………………………………44
Appendix E: Safe Dates………………………………………………………………….45
Appendix F: “Fourth R”………………………………………………………………...46
Appendix G: Green Dot………………………………………………………………….47
Appendix H: The Uganda HIV/AIDS Campaign………………………………………47
Appendix I: Cultural Sensitivity………………………………………………………...48
Appendix J: The public health approach……………………………………………….49
Appendix K: Questionnaire……………………………………………………………..50
Appendix L: Logic Model………………………………………………………………..53
Appendix M: Victims Friendly Unit…………………………………………………….54
Appendix N: Timeline……………………………………………………………………55
Appendix O: Projected three-year budget……………………………………………...56
Final Prototype: Appendix P………………………………………………………….…57
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY iv
Executive Summary
The problem of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) against women is epidemic in
Zimbabwe; several interventions that include counseling, shelters, and 16-day yearly campaigns
have been used to stop the spread of IPV; however, it continues to persist. Hence the need for a
different approach to combat the high incidents of IPV in the country. The project will use
primary preventions grounded in the public health framework. The project uses an educational
Campaign which will be delivered through a Solar audio player. The audio will be distributed to
a group of single women/ never in a long-term relationship/no children ages 18 to 30 living in
rural Zimbabwe. The project is using Pre-post surveys for the evaluation of the program. The
participants will engage in 12 group sessions using transformative learning, which involves
participants as critical thinkers, participatory, and active learners. Participants will have several
chances to practice the skills they are learning through role playing-using Zimbabwe traditional
dance, a poem contest to depict healthy relationships and unhealthy ones. A nine-week
Upstander empowerment and education group will help with negotiation skills. The project is
attempting to promote social norms that are protective against violence and empower and
encourage people to intervene to prevent abuse when they see it. Using IPV information, the
Upstander empowerment group, and mentors, the project is aiming at equipping participants with
knowledge and skills that help them change IPV attitudes and behaviors individually and as a
society. Once piloted, we will have tangible evidence of what works and replicate it to all the
rural areas of Zimbabwe, after which the plan is to cross over to our neighbors Mozambique and
Zambia, who have high incidences of IPV and the largest population living in rural areas.

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Problem Statement & Prevalence
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a frequent occurrence in the world at large. IPV knows
no boundaries, nor is it confined to any political or economic system, but it is prevalent in every
society in the world. It cuts across barriers of wealth, race, and culture. It is an expression of
historically and culturally specific values and standards which are today still executed through
many social and political institutions that foster women's subservience and discrimination against
women and girls (WHO, 2017). The Social work profession has deemed IPV a form of family
violence as a wicked social problem.
Zimbabwe has one of the cultures and systems that has helped perpetuate IPV (Hindin,
2016). IPV is a pattern of intentionally violent or controlling behavior used by a person against a
spouse or intimate partner to gain and maintain power and control over that person during and after
the relationship. Intimate partners may be a married or dating couple or joined in a domestic
partnership (Centers for Disease Control, 2015). Some IPV links in Zimbabwe include mental
health issues like depression in women and behavioral problems in children, death, injuries, loss
of work; it usually leaves behind a broken family and uncertainty, to mention a few (Machisa
&Shamhu,2018). In Zimbabwe, more women are affected by IPV due to the patriarchal and
cultural systems in place (Hindin,2016). Male dominance, aggression, oppressive, and
controlling behaviors toward women and children are what the project intends to change through
IPV educational campaigns combined with upstander empowerment and educative groups and
mentoring.
When Mary closed the front door of her three-bedroom house after coming home from
work, she did not expect what awaited her. Mary works for a successful international
organization and receives her salary in US dollars. Unfortunately, her husband is among the
many Zimbabweans not employed. The fact that he was not working and Mary was bringing in
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 3
all the money, did not sit well with him. He became jealous, demanding, and controlling—then
he began abusing her physically. On this day, he locked all the doors of the house and physically
assaulted her even after she was unconscious. Neighbors surrounded the house, peeping through
the windows, but no one tried to help. Why? Why would people, including women, watch Mary
going through such degrading, life-threatening experience? The answer lies mainly in cultural
issues that include the patriarchal system (see Appendix A) and Lobola: bride price (see
Appendix B). According to the culture, marriage issues are private, and it is not the public
business. Making it a significant reason why no one helped Mary. By educating young
bystanders, this will bring a shift into what Zimbabweans tolerate as being part of a culture and
would help decrease IPV. The goal of this approach is not merely to teach people how to
intervene at the scene of an assault. It is a strategy to change social norms in peer cultures at all
levels — from high school and middle school students up through adults of all ages (MVP
strategies,2019).
The project, among other things, intends to change the bystander’s behavior of not
intervening by encouraging people to speak out in the face of abusive behavior before, during, or
after an incident. The approach helps to create a peer culture where sexist abuse is as uncool and
unacceptable. For men, this abuse comes to be a transgression against rather than an enactment
of the social norms of masculinity (MVP strategies,2019). Mary is not alone: About 68% of
women of reproductive age and in a long-term relationship in Zimbabwe have experienced IPV,
including 56% who report emotional abuse, 33% physical abuse, 31% economic abuse, and 22%
sexual abuse respectively (The UN Women-Supported Study, 2015). The reader must note that
there is often a disparity in these statistics due to the varying data collection methods and
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 4
analyses utilized. Violence against women, especially wife beating, is common and even
tolerated in many Zimbabwean households.
The Southern Africa Development Community barometer (2016) also emphasized the
widespread nature of violence against women by pointing out that 2 in 3 women in Zimbabwe
have experienced IPV. In another study on men’s mental health in Zimbabwe, 41% of men
admitted to having abused their partners (Machisa & Shamu, 2018). Six in ten murder cases in
the high court in 1998 were IPV-related (Kimani, 2007), and 8 in 10 murder victims in 2009
were women (UNFPA,2012). About 28% of women who have experienced spousal physical or
sexual violence have received cuts, bruises, or aches; 7% have had eye injuries, sprains,
dislocations, or burns; and 7% have had deep wounds, broken bones, broken teeth, or other
severe injuries as a result of the violence (Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, 2015). Another
40% of women who participated in a depression study were found to be victims of IPV (Mberi,
2017).
Intimate partner violence results from the interaction of several factors. No single factor
can explain why some people are at high risk while others are not or why it is more common in
some contexts than in others. We can best explain IPV in Zimbabwe by using the Social-
Ecological Framework to understand this interplay of factors at various levels. This model
illustrates how factors at the individual, relational, community, and societal levels influences an
individual’s exposure to violence (Krug et al., 2002). The individual level of the model
encompasses biological factors, beliefs and attitudes, and personal history factors that influence
an individual’s likelihood of becoming a victim or perpetrator (CDC,2015). The relationship
level reflects how an individual’s close social relationships affect the risk of violence. Factors at
the community level relate to the settings of social relations, such as neighborhoods, workplaces
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 5
and schools, and characteristics of those environments that contribute to or protect against
violence. Societal level factors refer to those underlying conditions of society that either
encourage or inhibit abusive behaviors (CDC,2015).
During childhood and adolescence, observations of how parents and significant others
behave in intimate relationships provide initial learning of behavioral alternatives that are
‘‘appropriate’’ for these relationships (Gelles,1972). Children infer rules or principles through
repeated exposure to a style of parenting. If the family of origin handled stresses and frustrations
with anger and aggression, the child who has grown up in such an environment is at higher risk
for exhibiting those same behaviors, witnessed or experienced, as an adult. (Gelles,1972) states
that ‘‘not only does the family expose individuals to violence and techniques of violence, but the
family also teaches approval for the use of violence.’’ Children learn that violence is acceptable
within the home and is an effective method for solving problems or changing the behavior of
others.
Male dominance is recorded as higher in rural than in urban areas because of the nature
of rural communities and their firm adherence to social norms (Riddell et al., 2009).
Accordingly, women who reside in rural areas are at a higher risk of IPV than their urban
counterparts are. Rural dwellers firmly uphold patriarchal views and social norms, and this rural
culture (common understandings, values, ideas, and practices in a rural location) reinforces
adherence to these norms and evinces less tolerance for non-conforming behavior (Riddell et al.,
2009; Conroy, 2014). Consequently, the fear of social sanctions and disapproval causes people to
condone and accept violent behavior (Lilleston et al., 2017). Hence, a population of both men
and women still regard IPV perpetrated by the husband like a regular occurrence in marriages
(Lino et al., 2013).
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 6
General Description of the Proposed Innovation
To disrupt the harmful norms that have enslaved women in Zimbabwe and forced
them to suffer from IPV, the author’s proposed innovation seeks to increase IPV awareness
through the distribution of a handheld, solar-powered audio player—invented in 1998 to spread
the Bible in remote areas (see Appendix C)—that is preloaded with IPV-related information for
women in rural Zimbabwe. Mentoring and peer support groups will be combined with the
educative campaign. The target group consists of single women who have never been involved in
a long-term relationship and has no children, who are 18 to 30 years old. The device loaded with
IPV educational information will help them understand the Domestic Violent Act of Zimbabwe,
teach them how to be in safe and healthy relationships before they settle down with someone.
Women will learn how to debunk some of the harmful norms that keep women in abusive
relationships and change their behavior of silence that further perpetuates IPV. The team will
expose the participants to a Survey with IPV information before listening to the audio and after
the 12 weeks to mark progress.
Comparative analysis
This project is different from what is already on the market in Zimbabwe because it is
offering a culturally appropriate framework to curb IPV. The public health framework will be
used to continue to investigate and understand the causes and consequences of violence and for
preventing abuse from occurring through primary prevention programs, policy interventions, and
advocacy versus the universal human rights framework, that has had limited success because it is
in grand opposition with the patriarchal system. Public health aims to provide the maximum
benefit for the most significant number of people (Harvey, Garcia-Moreno& Butchard,2007).
About 68% of Zimbabwean lives in rural areas. The framework is not in total opposition with the
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 7
patriarchal establishment; it does not focus entirely on rights, which is a source of contention
with the patriarchy but on an individual’s well-being.
Identifying domestic violence as a human rights violation has its broader predicaments
as the debate between human rights as being universally applied or applied in a manner sensitive
to cultural practices arise. Addressing domestic violence by the laws governing each nation has
been suggested. However, this approach would not help reduce the problem of domestic
violence. Zimbabwe is and has been for years using strategies linked to the human rights
framework and addresses IPV at secondary and tertiary levels. These efforts are positive and
have improved the situations of many women living with violence, but they may be of limited
value in their ability to address the underlying factors that cause IPV (Harvey et al.,2007). They
may have value for preventing further acts of violence after disclosing violence, and for reducing
harmful consequences, but there is little scientific evidence they can prevent new instances of
IPV, due in part to a lack of evaluations (Harvey et al.,2007).
There are no campaigns that focus on young women and men; there are no primary
prevention programs, especially in rural areas. This project is targeting rural dwellers. Current
campaigns mainly concentrate in urban areas. There has been a lack of an appropriate tool or
tools that reach the rural dwellers with IPV messages. The use of text, radio, TV, and posters is
not sensitive to this population who some might not read or are so poor that they do not possess
radios or cell phones. An audio player is an appropriate tool because it is addressing literacy
issues and caters even for those who are blind.
Relevant Concepts Defined (see Appendix A-P)
Research, Practice, and Innovation
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 8
Research on IPV in Zimbabwe has been slow but steady. Due to the economic crisis that
has hit the country over the past years beginning in 1998 to the present day, there are few
resources designated to its research. The available research done on IPV in Zimbabwe is by
graduate students, non-governmental organizations, and the United Nations. The leading cause of
IPV, according to studies, is the long-held cultural norm of the male-dominated power structure
(patriarchy) throughout organized society and in individual relationships (Hindin, 2016).
Patriarchal socialization portrays women as perpetual minors who can be punished by their
fathers, brothers, and husbands (Wekwete, Sanhokwe, Murenjekwa, Takavarasha, & Madzingira,
2014). The continued underreporting of the issue perpetuates the culture of violence. The culture
of silence sustains IPV.
IPV awareness in Zimbabwe focuses on those already in long term relationships. Musasa
is the most prominent organization in Zimbabwe, working on ending IPV (Wekwete et al.,
2014). Musasa operates from four provincial offices, which include Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru,
and Chiredzi. Musasa provides shelter, counseling, referral services to women affected by IPV.
Being the largest organization in the country that gives IPV help, Musasa does not have
comparable services for IPV awareness that are preventative. Lack of funding hinders the
availability of these services. The 16 days of Activism against Gender-based Violence is the
most used campaign organized by Musasa that brings IPV awareness to the masses in
Zimbabwe. It marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and
Human Rights Day. It is done once a year from November 25 to December 10. This current
practice is not inclusive because these campaigns are mainly in the big cities where speakers give
speeches and supporters march in the streets. The rural dwellers, which is about 67% of the
population of Zimbabwe, has no access to this critical campaign. The media does a good job
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 9
reporting on the 16-day campaign; however, most rural dwellers have no access to radios, cell
phones, and televisions; hence, they do not receive the message (Abrahamsky, 2015). The plan
for this project is to partner with “Kubatana,” meaning unite (not the real name of the
organization) and focusing on a target population that is usually not targeted by the country’s
IPV campaigns.
Another organization that is in the field is the Girl Child Network (GCN). Founded by
Betty Makoni, the network is designed to help change the policy and acceptability of rape. The
program has grown to assist girls with education and housing. Featured in the
documentary Tapestries of Hope, Girl Child Network is trailblazing the way rape survivors are
treated: with dignity and with the agency (Ronzi, 2014). Expanding upon the original goal of
getting justice for survivors, GCN allows girls to envision futures for themselves. Many of these
girls are orphans, and some are even mothers themselves, but GCN empowers them. Girls are
encouraged to dream and pursue education and careers. GNC rescues girls from rural areas that
are in risky situations.
Again, rehabilitating survivors is the focus of many organizations that work in this field.
Women’s Action Group, Women and Aids Support Network, Zimbabwe Women’s Resource
Center, and Network are organizations that work to end IPV in Zimbabwe. What is familiar
about the groups is their emphasis on those already in long term relationships. These
organizations must deal with limited resources, which usually end up going towards survivors.
Another challenge organization in the field has faced ensuring measures that are fully
implemented, enforced, and monitored at all levels. Using an audio player helps those who
struggle with literacy and the blind. The project is also addressing the very fabric of the
patriarchal system that has perpetuated IPV by addressing myths and taboos in relationships to
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 10
single women in a culturally appropriate manner. These, when tackled by other organizations,
are usually to those already in marriages or in crisis. Addressing the problem from a secondary
level does not reduce the number of IPV effectively as the public health approach explains that
primary prevention means reducing the number of new instances of intimate partner violence by
intervening before any violence occurs (Harvey et al.,2007). This approach contrasts with what is
mainly on the ground that seeks to reduce the harmful consequences of an act of violence after it
has occurred or to prevent further acts of violence from occurring once abuse has been identified
(Harvey et al.,2007).
In 2007, the government of Zimbabwe enacted the Domestic Violence Act (DVA; see
Appendix D) to counter the rise of IPV in the country. The DVA was the first law to address
domestic violence and specifically criminalize it. According to a 2013 baseline study on gender-
based violence in Zimbabwe concerning knowledge of the DVA, 50% of women and 43% of
men were unaware of the law. A lesser proportion of women (44%) than men (52%) were aware
of the protection orders possible under the DVA. Both the focus groups and key informants
interviewed for this research noted there is some understanding at the community level about the
existing laws on domestic violence. However, many expressed the view that not enough is being
done to raise awareness in communities (Abramsky et al., 2011). One key informant stated that
the use of fliers and written laws was not practical for people who do not read well (Machisa &
Shamu 2018).
Targeting single women and women who have never been in long term relationships in
Zimbabwe and educating them about IPV would reduce their chances of being in abusive
relationships. There have been great innovative concepts worldwide in the IPV area, including
the provision of housing; the use of technology such as the Aspire News application. Developed
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 11
by Robin McGraw, Aspire News App is a potentially life-saving app that allows victims of abuse
to call for help at the touch of a button. It is disguised as a regular app to deter the perpetrator
(Flinders, 2018). However, Zimbabwe has been lagging in this area due to several reasons,
including a lack of resources Organizations tackling IPV in the country have used folk tales,
dramas, and short films as innovative ways to reach out to the masses in the fight to end IPV.
Their focus, though, has been on those already affected. If the country wants to decrease the high
incidence of IPV effectively, it must start with individuals who are single and not in long-term
relationships, bringing IPV awareness to them before they settle down. An example of effective
prevention programs includes The Safe Dates Project (see Appendix E).
Another example is “The Fourth R: Strategies for Healthy Teen Relationships.” (See
Appendix F) A bystander program, Green Dot is another preventative program (see Appendix G)
and the Uganda HIV/AIDS case study (see Appendix H).
Gaps in Knowledge and Impact
Research in Zimbabwe has pointed out that even though IPV awareness has gained
momentum, it is not inclusive; those living in rural areas are often left out (Abrahamsky, 2015).
IPV information and other resources are mainly available to those already affected by this social
ill and those who live in urban or peri-urban Zimbabwe. Almost 68% of people living in rural
areas are not aware of what IPV is—or the laws that could protect them. The use of posters and
strategies to inform rural dwellers has been problematic for those who have difficulty reading,
hence the call by researchers to find culturally sensitive (see Appendix I) ways to raise
awareness on IPV in rural areas. By focusing on single women, this project hopes to affect the
next generation’s views on marriage in the country. Women will know that love does not hurt,
they will challenge the status quo of remaining silent when abuse is taking place, and they will
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 12
become more aware of social norms that are used to perpetrate IPV (e.g., that a good woman
should endure abuse for the sake of the children. Single women will also learn the effects of
violence on their children.
Description of Conceptual Framework and Theory of Change
The author’s proposed intervention is using a public health Framework approach that
focuses on primary prevention (see Appendix J). The team will use transformational learning as
the project’s theory of change. It will be used to facilitate group meetings that are part of this
project. The theory has two primary kinds of learning: instrumental and communicative
education. Instrumental learning focuses on learning through task-oriented problem solving and
determination of cause and effect relationships. Communicative learning involves how
individuals communicate their feelings, needs, and desires (Mezirow,1990).
Fundamentally, transformative learning is a process whereby individuals engage in
critical reflection to develop new perspectives, skills, and behaviors (Mezirow,1990). The project
intends to help young rural dwellers to adopt new attitudes and behaviors as far as IPV is
concerned. This theory is disrupting the norm of silence in the face of IPV. Transformative
learning pedagogy encourages students to critically examine their assumptions, cope with social
issues, and participate in social action (Mezirow,1991). Through transformative learning, the
participants are exploring what they know about gender-based violence and then take action that
would affect widespread change.
The intervention will work because even though society is patriarchal, laws are in place
that supports the intervention, e.g., the DVA, the increased numbers of women reporting IPV,
and the recent report that IPV murder cases in the high court have gone down (Towindo,2019).
While 1 000 cases of domestic violence were before the Harare Magistrates’ Court in the six
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 13
months to June, they represent a 14 percent drop from the 1 160 occurrences in the same period
last year (Towindo,2019).
There has been an increase in women using friendly police support units since 2007
when the DVA came into effect. The second year of the program will focus on bringing boys and
men to the table to work with women to eradicate IPV. Researchers like (Lorion, Myers &
Bartels, 1994, Wolfe & Jaffe, 1999) pointed out that inviting men to the table as partners to end
IPV, not as perpetrators have had some documented success. The third-year will focus on the
IPV curriculum to be in schools starting in middle schools as (Harvey et al.,2007) indicated that
exposing adolescent boys to IPV preventative programs deter them from becoming abusive.
Preteen and teen years, young people are learning the skills they need to form positive, healthy
relationships with others, and it is, therefore, an ideal time to promote healthy relationships and
prevent patterns of teen dating violence that can last into adulthood. Fourth-year will concentrate
on the elderly women who continue to instruct young women to be “silent” even when abused in
relationships, and the elderly women are modeling behavior that they grew up watching. As the
Social learning theory explains, people model behavior that they have been exposed to as
children.
Problems of Practice and Solution/Innovations
Explanation of design
The Pilot project will have volunteers between the ages of 18 and 30. Participants are
single and never been in long term relationships. This project will be announced three months
ahead of time for those interested in participating to drop their names in locked designated boxes.
There will be individual screening for the selected participants by two members of the team
whose work is in destigmatizing the cultural expectation of the status of women. The verbal
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 14
announcements will be at five local churches, five local schools, four clinics, and at the
community event center. Selected participants will have numbers that will identify them for
confidentiality purposes. To incentivize the women, they have a chance each month to win
cooking pots, wheelbarrows, blankets, and school uniforms—items that are important to this
target population. The participants will answer a questionnaire (see Appendix K) before
receiving the IPV awareness information on the audio player. Another survey at the end of the
campaign will be given to check progress on the IPV awareness given. The results will
demonstrate whether there has been an increase in knowledge regarding IPV, change in attitudes
regarding social norms, which has the potential to change behavior.
Each week, the 30 participants, a number used by Kubatana, the collaborating
organization for groups, will take home the audio player with a single topic (e.g., “Myths and
taboos in a relationship”) loaded on it. They will listen to the information and bring back the
device on a specific day agreed by the group and have a meeting to discuss the topic. Master’s
level social workers, a physician, nurses, youth pastors, and a local laywoman who has worked
side by side with IPV professionals have been located by the collaborating organizations to
facilitate the sessions. The above providers have been trained to work with this population and
have the knowledge and some training in transformative learning. Only the providers can upload
and delete the information; the end-user cannot tamper with it. This pilot project will last for
three months. The participants will attend 12 weeks of IPV meetings once a week. To help
reinforce healthy relationship tips and respect, participants will have a chance to role-play,
present a short drama at a community event, and an IPV poem contest. In IPV programs,
adhering to adult learning strategies means emphasizing skills training using role-plays and
applied practice and limiting passive didactic instruction (Mezirow,1991).
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 15
Another 9-week peer group session will run concurrently, focusing on Upstander
empowerment and education, promoting social norms that are protective against violence, and
encourage people to intervene to prevent abuse when they see it. Three guest speakers will talk
to the group, an IPV survivor, law enforcement, and a former abuser. Other topics to be
addressed in these support groups include discussing self-esteem. For example, how can these
young women build self-confidence in a culture that puts them down and elevates men? Self-
respect is also of great importance in a society that wants women to serve men first, whether they
like it or not. This discussion is not looking to reversing the current attitudes on respect but to
develop a balance and understand that respect is for everyone, not just a select group of people. It
is important to respect women’s ideas and their needs while still respecting men, so long as
men’s needs are not infringing on anyone’s needs. Support groups have been effectively used in
the country to alleviate social problems (e.g., the mothers-living-with-HIV support groups,
which have helped curb HIV; Orne-Gliemann et al., 2017).
This project will also make use of trained local laywomen as mentors to lead six weeks of
sessions. The mentor will guide them through relationship issues and life in general for as long
as the participants want. The mentors are taking the role of a tete, or an aunt (father’s sister), who
traditionally guides the girl child in their family in all relationship issues. The sad part is this tete
has helped in passing toxic information to the girl child, which has convinced so many women in
Zimbabwe to stay in abusive relationships (e.g., a woman’s happiness in a relationship is not
essential. Making your man happy is all that matters).
The second year of the project will focus on young, single men, bringing them to the
table and discussing the same IPV issues. In the third year, the project will focus on IPV
awareness in school curricula, starting with private middle schools. The fourth-year will be a
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 16
year of integrating older women, revisiting the use of community gatherings, where folktales
were passed to the next generations. These gatherings will be about stories from the young
women and what they want their relationships to be like, as well as asking for support from the
older women. The final year will integrate the second-largest tribe in the country.
Justification of innovation
The innovation is disrupting a societal norm in Zimbabwe, which says that women must
endure in marriage by informing young women about healthy relationships and practicing skills
that help them to stay safe. It is also filling in a gap left by other organizations working in the
field by using audio players to reach the targeted population. Kambarami (2006) noted that the
current media forms, mostly brochures, and posters, used to disseminate these educational
campaigns are not sensitive to individuals who have difficulties reading. Kambarami also
pointed out that, at times, campaigns are via radio and television—media that rural dwellers do
not always possess. Some organizations have resorted to sending texts, but most rural areas do
not even have electricity, and a cell phone is a luxury, given the basics they lack
(Kambarami,2006). Hence, besides being the best solution because of its preventative nature,
solar audio players are appropriate for the target population. By addressing the issue of IPV with
those not yet in relationships, this innovation is disrupting the traditional way of preventing IPV
in Zimbabwe, which has been focusing on those already affected. This project is using a public
health framework that does not openly clash with the patriarchal establishment, compared to the
human rights framework, which for decades has been met with resistance and has produced
limited progress to decrease IPV.
It is also disrupting another belief passed down by elders that abuse is part of marriage.
Using the audio player, peer support, and mentors at the same time, participants can discuss IPV
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 17
issues with experts and have someone to connect with even after the project is over. This project
is thus innovative because it shifts away from using family members (who may not have the best
interest of the young woman as discussed before) to support young women to using locally
trained laywomen who are passionate about the well-being of young women. The use of locally
trained women has been successful in the fight against HIV/AIDS and Mental health issues.
Description of the proposed impact
Zimbabwe ranked 7th out of 20 countries with the worst cases for spousal abuse in 2016
(Ziavash, 2019), and it ranked fourth in 2018 for countries in the world with a high incidence of
domestic violence (Beranac, 2018). The biggest goal for this project is to champion a decrease in
IPV incidents in the country. This project seeks to increase IPV knowledge for the younger
generation of women first—then in the second year include young men.
Concentrating on the younger generation disrupts the cycle of violence that has been
passed on from one generation to the next. When younger women are aware at a young age, what
constitutes IPV and its adverse effects, they are bound to pass that same information on to their
children, and a new cycle begins. If the younger women are not engaged in IPV issues early on
in their lives, then they will also be like mothers who pass on stories of persevering through
abusive situations as social learning theory explains. This project thus seeks to empower young
women with information that is not readily available to them, especially rural-based young
women. This information will help influence their attitudes and change the way they view IPV.
Most young women see it through the eyes of their mothers—if abuse affects their mothers, but
they stay, that is what young women will do in their relationships (Cyleste & Dressier, 2008).
This project will last for five years; impactful campaigns take time and resources; however, they
have proved to make an impact (e.g., the HIV/AIDS campaigns that have run for decades now
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 18
have helped rapidly decrease the instances of HIV/AIDS). The number of new cases is on the
decrease from 1% in 2010 to 0.49% in 2017 for people between the ages of 15 to 49 years old
(Zimbabwe HIV report, 2017). This report credited the decline to the campaigns because HIV is
a topic now talked about more in households around the country. The campaigns also focused on
destigmatizing HIV, and Zimbabweans have seen the results. This IPV campaign seeks to mimic
the long, sustained HIV campaigns that have seen success.
Detailed Logic model (see Appendix L)
How the Project will improve the Grand Challenge area
As of January 1, 2019, the population of Zimbabwe was estimated to be 16,829,729
people (UN population division, 2019). About 68% of the population lives in rural areas, where
IPV campaigns are not standard. Introducing IPV awareness information into these areas,
especially on the future generation of the country, will make a dent on IPV views in
Zimbabwean society. This project will add to the already existing efforts to decrease IPV in the
country. This project is targeting the largest group in the country, one which is often not targeted
by IPV campaigns due to funding and cultural norms. Targeting this group of young single
women will prepare them when their time comes for settling into a relationship. When this
project reaches all the single women in Zimbabwe, and they learn how to avoid being in abusive
relationships and change their attitudes toward the myths that have been passed down to them,
then this project will have contributed to the Social work grand challenge of preventing family
violence. This project would have broken the cycle of passing unhealthy messages from
generation to generation to passing healthy relationship messages, ones supported by the
government of the country, through laws that they have passed.

DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 19
Feedback from stakeholders on proposed solutions and feasibility
Stakeholders acknowledged that the solution must target a group that has not been
reached by the 16-day campaigns consistently. One stakeholder, however, noted that it would be
of great help to individuals who are disabled. There were reports that, around the same district,
there is a rise in IPV incidents, mostly affecting women with disabilities. Unfortunately, no data
were available at the time of this discussion (December 2018) on IPV among the disabled. There
is a need for the team working on the project to find out the numbers of single women who are
disabled and how best they can be reached.
Because the plan is to partner with an already existing organization, it pointed out that
infrastructure is already in place that will make it easy for the project to start and run well. They,
however, warned about funding, which is the most significant deterrent for project success. The
plan is to have the project fully funded and not take from other projects on which this
organization is already working. Potential contract employees emphasized the importance of
continuous engagement with local chiefs and the Ministry of Gender in the country to ensure
feasibility. They also pointed out that, without these significant players’ involvement, the project
would not even go anywhere. Rolling out the project in phases was another contribution from
stakeholders. They warned against implementing all the ideas of the project in one year but
recommended spreading out each critical component and focus on it without rushing will yield
better results. Another stakeholder emphasized the need to collect data as each phase progresses;
he stressed that data would help bring more donors and add to the list of practices that could
reduce IPV incidence in the country. The lack of a tracker on the solar device was pointed out as
a problem—in that perhaps the participants will not return the devices, and that would be a loss.
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 20
Putting a tracker on the audio players would be expensive for the project; however, the
incentives put in place are to curb the problem.
How innovative solutions are positioned within history, policy, and public
knowledge.
IPV is rooted in the historically unequal power relationship between men and women
(Hindin, 2016). The reality is that violence against women and girls is the result of power
imbalances between women and men. The history of violence against women is tied to the
history of women being viewed as property—and a gender role assigned to them to be
subservient to men (Gender-Based Violence Forum, 2008). The trauma of sexual coercion and
assault experienced by women and girls at different stages of their life cycle leaves them with
irreversible loss of self-worth and autonomy, leading to the acceptance of victimization as part of
being female (UNIFEM, 2010).
This project is coming at a time when Zimbabwe has a law that criminalizes IPV. Before
2007, even those women who wanted to report abuse were discouraged because no laws were
targeting IPV. Their cases were usually not taken seriously, which further victimized them. Now,
with the 2007 DVA, this project has the law on its side. When young women are being taught to
deconstruct patriarchy by increasing their knowledge of IPV, they then will be able to question
better most of the deep-rooted practices that perpetuate violence against women.
This project’s fundamental goal is raising awareness and changing behavior on a subject
that research in the country has pointed out needs more awareness. This innovation is filling a
well-known gap, where rural dwellers are not as informed about IPV as their urban counterparts.
Dissemination of IPV educational information to the masses in the right manner will bring
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 21
attitudes changes, and individuals tend to work on the healthy behaviors advocated by the
campaign.
Evidence/data to show the impact
This project will be a success when 60% of the participants indicate they have increased
their knowledge of IPV due to the awareness. This project will have made a difference when
55% of the participants can identify the myths and taboos that have perpetuated abuse. Because
of the number of providers who have pledged to participate, this project plans to reach about
10,000 young, single women in Mwenezi District by the end of its first year. An average of 100
IPV meetings in the first six months of the first year of the project will further indicate success.
This project will have been a success when the Zimbabwe demographic health survey indicate a
decrease in new IPV incidences by the 5
th
year of the project. The project will be a success when
young women attend 24 support group meetings in the first six months, and 55% of them will
intervene directly or indirectly when someone is affected by violence, and 300 young women
receive help from mentors.
Description of political, organizational, and community allies.
It is of great importance that this project keeps in line with its mission (Raising IPV
awareness to end violence, with a focus on rural, single women, targeting groups in society to
change retrogressive beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, laws, and policies to end gender-based
violence) and stays out of what might be considered a political threat. The Ministry of Women
Affairs, Gender, and Community Development welcome projects that highlight and offer
solutions to issues that women have. Law enforcement is invested in educating those affected by
IPV but the project wants to expand the role of the Victim-Friendly Units (see Appendix M) to
those who are not affected so that they know how to approach issues that have to do with the
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 22
law. The Women Lawyers Association gives pro bono services to victims of IPV. This
association is a great ally who can approach the young women from the law, helping them
understand what their rights are according to the constitution. In each district in which the project
will roll out, the permission of the chiefs and councilors must be of vital importance. These are
allies who will help with fighting IPV. The team will continue to connect with youth pastors,
educators, health care providers, local law enforcement, and governmental heads in each district
to keep the drive and encourage young women to hear the campaign messages.
Description of political, organizational, and community obstacles.
Zimbabwe has been going through waves of instability, and the author cannot guarantee
stability when launching the pilot project. It will be difficult or impossible to run a campaign
when hostility is present. The political instability of the country makes it difficult even for
funders to commit to projects. Even the limited government funds are wholly unavailable when
the country is in continuous political crisis. Another barrier is that the masters-level staff
members are fewer than the number needed for implementation. The presence of a
professionalized performance management workforce is thereby lacking, and this hinders
implementation. Another barrier is the lack of a service-provider database where collaborators
and stakeholders can obtain feedback as the implementation of the project is in progress as well
as the lack of consistent use of electronic case records. The lack of other agencies’ usage and
knowledge of evidence-based practices (EBP), is of concern.
Few disciplines in the country use EBP, which affects the cross-sector and cross-
discipline translation. The health care sector and some universities have been using this
approach, and they will be available for information sharing; however, there will be much work
involved to get buy-in from other sectors. There is also a lack of ongoing technical support in
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 23
place across networks. Because of the economic hardships that have hit the country over the past
decades, funds to improve outside networking are the first to be jettisoned because they are not a
priority. These networks are, however, important to the sustainment of the program. The limited
availability of information technology in the hosting organization is also a barrier to the effective
monitoring of process indicators, client outcomes, and fidelity. The country is a patriarchal
society, and, even though IPV campaigns are not new, there is bound to be pushback from male
figures who fear that their power is under attack.
Analysis of alternative pathways
Because the plan is for the project to be under the auspices of an already existing
organization (Kubatana) that has been fighting to end IPV in the country, and because waves of
political instability are barriers to the implementation of the program, this project will follow the
guidelines of the leading organization, which has worked in such conditions before. Funding is
another major obstacle because there are limited government grants awarded for stopping family
violence. This project is seeking not to rely heavily on government funding. Diverse funding
sources are necessary to help with self-reliance. The availability of powerful client advocacy to
support EBP would help facilitate implementation. The Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe,
Women’s Lawyers Association, and Women Action Group are just a few of the advocating
groups that could help facilitate the implementation of EIP, based on their experience in its use
and the relationship they have with the hosting organization, these organizations already work
with Kubatana. Such intervention is a good match for the mission, values, and service provider
tasks of the hosting organization. The hosting organization is involved with multiple
stakeholders, and a protocol is in place for how the organization troubleshoots and problem
solves across its partners, which will also help facilitate implementation. More need to be
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 24
invested in information technology to help alleviate ongoing technical support across networks.
Such an investment will increase the effectiveness, ease, and speed of attaining results. This
project must contract with other master’s level professionals because the organization does not
have enough master’s level professionals. The language used in the audio player and what
facilitators of the IPV meetings will use is of great importance. This project will stay away from
what might appear to be provocative messages for leaders of patriarchy. By using a
reconciliatory tone and still laying out the effects of healthy relationships in our culture, a
reduction in pushback from the above group is possible.
Project Structure, Methodology, and Action Components
Exploration Phase
The project follows the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment
framework to implement evidence-based interventions. The exploration phase involves
awareness of a clinical or service issue that needs to be adequately addressed (Moullin, Dickson,
Stadnik, Rabin, & Aarons, 2019). IPV must be treated differently in Zimbabwe to reduce or
eliminate new cases (e.g., using a different framework that helps with primary prevention). The
author started by assessing the needs of the community, and the team will implement the pilot
program to make sure the intervention meets the needs of the people and not merely what
implementers think the people’s needs are. The author assessed the needs through a literature
review, the author’s knowledge of the district where the pilot will be rolled out, and information
from organizations working in the area. The team will use a multifaceted strategy to facilitate the
implementation of the solution (See Appendix N, Timeline).
The implementation team will conduct meetings with local traditional leaders, allowing
them to suggest ideas for the program. These leaders were involved early on; getting their
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 25
approval to work with the community they oversee is vital for the program’s success. We will
also conduct workshops with religious leaders because such leaders are a part of the patriarchal
system that has perpetuated IPV through their interpretation of the Bible. Including those who
pose as barriers to the project as contributing partners can also have positive outcomes. Khatri
and Frieden (2002) described a pre-implementation stage for implementing HIV/AIDS
prevention programs in which service providers, community planning groups, advisory boards,
consumer population members, and related organizations meet and exchange information. The
author has shared and gathered information to identify the need for intervention after considering
the information available, acquiring knowledge via interactions with stakeholders, assessing the
compatibility between the intervention program and community needs, and preparing the
organization, traditional and religious opinion leaders, staff, and resources by mobilizing
information and support. Because of the planned collaboration, the exploration phase started on
December 30, 2018, and ended on April 30, 2019.
Preparation Phase
According to Fixsen, Naoom, Blase, Friedman, and Wallace (2005), The function of
the preparation stage is to acquire or repurpose the resources needed to do the work that lies
ahead. The team has selected staff, identified training sources to provide staff with initial weekly
training sessions on how to use audio players and delete and add new IPV information, found or
established performance assessment (fidelity) tools, and ensured access to materials and
equipment, such as computers and other resources, that need to be in place before the work can
start. Another primary objective of the preparation stage involves identifying potential barriers
and facilitators of implementation in the outer and inner contexts (Aarons, Hurlburt, & Horwitz,
2010), further assessing adaptation needs, and developing a detailed plan to capitalize on
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 26
implementation facilitators and to address potential barriers (Aaron et al., 2010). The team has
examined potential obstacles, including political instability, lack of consistent government
funding, pushback from patriarchal supporters, lack of technical support systems, and lack of
partnership opportunities with academic institutions invested in evidence-based practices. The
team already works with opinion leaders in rural districts and understands the cultural flashpoints
to avoid when working on projects such as the one the author has proposed. There is a reasonable
amount of revenue to start the project, and we will contract experts implementing evidence-based
practice in other organizations to work on this project. The collaborating organizational
leadership supports the project and has noted that it will help an underserved population that has
not received adequate support for decades because the few resources they have go to help those
already affected by IPV. The program will focus on educating those not affected by IPV to help
them make informed decisions and avoid entering abusive relationships. This stage started in
April 2019 and is expected to end on December 31, 2019.
Implementation Phase
During the implementation phase, single women aged 18–30 and not affected by IPV will
receive audio players with preventative awareness information. The women will attend the 12-
week series of IPV meetings with new IPV information uploaded every week. They will also
participate in a nine-week upstander empowerment group and work with mentors Masters-level
social workers with experience working in the area of IPV will lead the sessions, facilitate
support groups, and identify participants who want to work with mentors. Most of the social
workers, nurses, and other mental health counselors will be part-time employees. The team will
work on training frontline staff on the use of this intervention. The collaborating organization
will experience a change in staffing as different contractors take on a leading role to prepare the
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 27
full-time staff, most of whom possess bachelor’s degrees, on how to effectively help implement
the intervention. As Palinkas and Soydan (2012) noted, it is essential that ongoing monitoring of
the implementation process be incorporated to assess how the implementation is proceeding, and
that implementation strategies be adjusted to support efforts accordingly. The team has assigned
three directors with experience in evaluation to monitor the process. The plan for this phase is to
begin in January 2020; it should last for three months.
Sustainment Phase
Palinkas and Soydan (2012) noted that the goal of this stage is the long-term survival and
continued effectiveness of the implementation regardless of changes in staffing, leadership,
funding streams, program requirements, and external demands and support. The team will
continue to identify and recruit staff members who possess the skills and motivation necessary to
work in a rural setting and remain flexible in dealing with the complexities such work entails. In-
service training will be conducted primarily for clinicians dealing with mentorship, facilitating
IPV meetings, and working with support groups. On-the-job training will help clinicians gain
new knowledge. The implementers will also receive feedback from the clinicians. The team will
undergo staff performance assessment, which will help assess staff training methods during the
preparation stage. A robust technical system will help with data collection, which is essential for
fidelity, the team will use participants’ feedback to support the continued use of the intervention
and to identify the need for any adjustments. Sustainment is a continuous stage. The 5-year plan
for this project will see the response reach most rural areas; once implementation is complete, the
intervention should continue to have a substantial impact.
The projected expenses for the first year are USD33,550, revenue for the first year of this
program is USD 35,500. Geek Investments, a small for-profit company, based in the United
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 28
States that has an interest in Mwenezi, the district in Zimbabwe in which the program will be
rolled out, has pledged $20,000. For the remaining $15,500, a prospective donor is Gender
Links, a Southern African organization committed to encouraging equal participation for men
and women in public and private spheres. The author will apply for a $5,000 grant from Gender
Links. Another $3,000 grant will be from the Masiyiwa Foundation. A Zimbabwean diaspora
group based in the United Kingdom is a prospective funder for $2,500, and Zimbabweans living
in the United States may provide another $5,000. The two Zimbabwean diaspora groups fund
initiatives that bring relief to the people of Zimbabwe and have made various contributions to
their homeland (See Appendix O, Financial chart).
Description of Measurement of Outcomes
Process measures. The process measures to be collected during implementation include
the number of providers trained, the number of training held, the number of participants who
attended the 12-week series of meetings, the number of participants who completed the program,
and the number of Solar audio players given out. These measures will determine whether crucial
activities were delivered for the intervention during the implementation stage. In the absence of
the events, the program will not be able to be provided as per the program design. The first two
process measures (i.e., the number of providers trained and the training held) will be collected
using training sign-in sheets. A monthly report from service providers on the progress and
process is another tool that the team will use to track progress. These measures will indicate
whether the desired training was held to meet program requirements.
Measurement of the outcome.
The project is using a survey for collecting data from participants and measuring the
success of the project. The survey questions are designed to measure IPV knowledge in the
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 29
participants and attitudes the project wants to affect to bring about behavioral change (e.g., in the
bystanders; see Appendix N for the questionnaire). The anticipated outcomes include an increase
in IPV awareness (60% of participants), an increased ability to identify unhealthy behaviors in a
relationship without excusing them (65% of participants), an increase in the number of
participants who will help someone in an unhealthy relationship (55% of participants), and an
increase in those who will report abuse (65% of participants). These measures will determine
whether the program has been successful in increasing IPV knowledge, affecting attitudes
through education, peer support groups, and mentoring; and subsequently changing participants’
behavior and beliefs. The surveys completed by participants will measure each of these
outcomes. The surveys will provide the program with the data necessary to determine whether
there have been considerable changes in participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs that will,
in turn, change the participants’ behaviors. If not, the surveys will help clarify what needs to be
modified to reach these outcomes in future project iterations. Additional outcome measures will
be considered after pilot implementation and will depend on what improvements are necessary
for future iterations. See the logic model (Appendix L) for an exhaustive list of outcome
measures. The collection of data will take place at the beginning of the program and at the end of
three months. The three directors with experience in program evaluation will perform and
oversee data collection, quality assurance, data entry, and reporting. The team will use the
existing database to record data; team members are familiar with it, so no training is needed.
Plan for Stakeholder Involvement
Stakeholders will play a significant role in this project by using IPV awareness to help
achieve the main objective of changing attitudes and beliefs central to IPV. Village chiefs,
district councilors, educators, nurses, social workers, a physician, and youth pastors are all
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 30
involved in the implementation process of this project. The team plans to continue engaging law
enforcement agencies, especially local law enforcement, for support because these agencies play
a pivotal role in IPV issues in Zimbabwe. Police officers already participate as IPV educators;
however, they are involved mainly with those already affected by IPV.
Communication plan and strategies to engage audiences.
The project plans to communicate regularly with its audience, including stakeholders. A
minimum of once per quarter is a reasonable time frame because council meetings always take
place during that period. The main objective for communicating is to build awareness of the
project among our stakeholders, which includes the users. Communicating clearly and regularly
will help secure their commitment to the project’s aims.
Law enforcement, the justice system, and company heads (e.g., CEOs and presidents) are
among the groups this project is trying to reach; due to their influential positions, they bring their
followers with them when they commit to the project. Phone calls, text messages, emails, and
workshops are the best ways to reach the above groups. They have an idea of what IPV is
because most IPV campaigns take place in towns and cities. The most significant barrier to their
participating is that such groups see IPV campaigns as their competitor in terms of power and
influence. This project, however, is meant to shift the focus away from the human rights
perspective, due to its previously mentioned limitations, and toward investigating and
understanding the causes and consequences of violence and how to prevent abuse through
primary prevention programs, policy interventions, and advocacy (Violence Prevention
Alliance,2019). This public health framework does not directly clash with the Zimbabwe
society’s patriarchal tenets, which gives it a head start in a civil discussion.
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 31
The team will continue to engage its audience in the Mwenezi District by attending
public meetings (e.g., agricultural shows and presentations on IPV) and will involve the clergy in
the district to talk about IPV from their pulpits during the 16 Days of Domestic Violence
Activism. Educators and health providers in the area should talk about IPV with their students
and patients during the above period. These considerations will keep our audience engaged with
the message of our project. Using theater when there are local council meetings is also a
beneficial way to keep the audience engaged. This strategy has worked with HIV/AIDS work in
Zimbabwe (Shamu et al., 2017).
Dissemination plan for broader impact.
The idea is to disseminate the findings first to all the partners, including the participants
and collaborators, and then to continue by using platforms such as the National counselor’s
association in Zimbabwe. The author hopes to share the outcomes with the National Association
of Social Workers. There has not been much evidence on primary prevention from developing
countries because the above methods have been used primarily in developed countries. South
Africa and Uganda are among the few developing countries in Africa that have had positive
outcomes after using primary preventative methods that were not solely focused on the human
rights framework. The above techniques will inform and improve practice, policy, and service
delivery. Zambia and Mozambique are neighboring countries that could also benefit from this
project. They have large populations in rural areas and are struggling to decrease IPV. The long-
term goal is to publish the findings in a journal after the project has been implemented in all rural
areas of the country. The results would help advocates and providers fighting to end IPV
examine other ways to make their case because this approach can be fitted to various cultures.
Ethical Concerns and Possible Negative Consequences
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 32
Respect for persons. This principle involves upholding respect for and protecting the
rights, dignity, and autonomy of participants. In the cultural context in question, the elderly are
the ones who receive the most respect, and if someone is younger than whoever he or she is
working with, that person must be respectful to the older person. The above scenario may pose a
concern, especially for the younger participants, whose respect may take the form of asking older
providers for their opinions on the subject under discussion. These conversations may skew the
participants’ responses. To combat the kind of cultural respect that could skew the data and to
protect the autonomy of participants, all participants will receive training that stresses the
guidelines of the International Federation of Social workers and the National Association of
Social Workers- which demonstrates respect of person.
Conclusions, Actions, and Implications
Summary of Project Plans and Conclusions
Promoting expectations for healthy relationships and teaching healthy relationship skills
are critical to developing a primary prevention approach to addressing the IPV problem. The
evidence suggests that acceptance of partner violence, poor emotional regulation, poor conflict
management, and poor communication skills put individuals at risk for both perpetration and
victimization of IPV (Holditch Niolon et al., 2017). Therefore, this project promotes expectations
for healthy, non-violent relationships and for building skills in areas that can reduce the risk of
perpetration and victimization of IPV. We are learning that much of the most promising work
addressing IPV is complex, multifaceted, and evolving, and the team will continue working on
culturally appropriate strategies. The team will not include mixed groups in the pilot project out
of respect for the culture, which does not approve of discussing sexual health among mix-gender
groups of young people. The team will exclude the sexual health topic in the second year, again
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 33
for cultural sensitivity, because single men will be participating. In the third year of the program,
the team plans to implement an IPV curriculum in schools, beginning in sixth grade, and use
social-emotional learning. The project aims to bring IPV awareness and behavior changes to an
age group that is transitioning in development and can use a unique set of tools—for example,
learning to develop mutually respectful, caring, nonviolent relationships and developing social-
emotional skills such as empathy, respect, and healthy communication and conflict resolution
skills.
This school program will be a success when it results in a decrease in reports to the
principal’s office regarding perpetrating behaviors. In the fourth year, older women will be
participating, and providers will facilitate group meetings in which the young adults tell stories
about what they look forward to in their relationships. These discussions between the two
generations call for older women to examine their experiences with gender-based violence and
then take action to effect widespread change. The fifth and final year will move the project to the
second-largest tribe, which accounts for 20% of the country’s population. There are uncharted
areas among members of the tribe that this project will not reach. The format will remain the
same; however, the team will translate IPV educational information into another language
(Ndebele). The employees of Kubatana, the collaborating organization, will lead this effort
because they have experience working with the tribe. By the end of the fifth year, the plan is to
have documented evidence showing how a combination of IPV educational campaigns, groups
using transformative learning, and the use of drama, poems, and art can increase IPV awareness
and change individuals, communities, societal attitudes, and behaviors and help decrease IPV in
Zimbabwe.
How the Project Will Improve Practice and Policy
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 34
This project presents a different approach to addressing IPV in Zimbabwe. The project
has evolved from a human rights framework, which openly clashed with the patriarchy, to a
theory that engages participants and inspires them to question their own assumptions, beliefs,
feelings, and perspectives; develop personally and intellectually; and take action that changes
individual and community behaviors about IPV (Mezirow, 1990). It is easier to work on a cause
to bring everyone together when there is less tension. Although disagreements will arise, the
project’s public health approach is to focus on ways to alleviate problems before they start, not
on who is causing the problem. Less tension encourages opponents to work together and reach a
goal. This project will provide the much-needed evidence in Zimbabwe of how combining IPV
campaigns with intervention strategies like the ones described in this paper can bring effective
results. Strategies such as group meetings teach healthy relationship skills and give participants
room to rehearse using traditional methods. For example, enacting dramas that depict healthy
relationships and demonstrate what an unhealthy relationship looks like can reduce IPV in the
country; evidence has shown the effectiveness of a combination of strategies that include
teaching skills and then practicing those skills. Data on IPV in rural Zimbabwe are limited; by
focusing on the rural population, this project will inform the people about ways they can help
decrease IPV. This project will become the basis for future strategies. Providers will know what
did not work on this project, which strategies required to change, and how to modify
interventions based on tribes and where people live.
Limitations and Risks: Recommendations for Future Work
The biggest challenge this project faces is pushback from those who support the
patriarchy because the project challenges individuals, communities, and the society at large to
engage in critical reflection on IPV to develop new perspectives, skills, and behaviors. The
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 35
project challenges the norm that IPV is part of marriage in Zimbabwe. Educating and engaging
participants and motivating them to act creates a potential for pushback. From the beginning of
the project, however, the team has been engaging traditional patriarchal leaders. To avoid
significant blowback, the team has been engaging the necessary traditional leaders at each stage.
The team also made provisions (e.g., not using mixed groups when talking about sexual health).
The traditional leaders will be involved in all districts covered by this project. Their approval of
the project will minimize the pushback. It can also be risky if the participants, even though they
are all adults, live with parents who do not approve of the project; this might create conflict in
the family. To reduce and eliminate any harm arising from the project, the screening team will
ask those living with their parents if participating in the project will cause friction at home.
Another limitation is the lack of financial resources. The team is depending on an outside source
for the first three years; the economic crisis in Zimbabwe has made it difficult to depend on
government grants. The implementing team thus plans to resources diversify its revenue and
increase fundraising through various potential sources.
To continue effecting change on all levels, as indicated by the social-ecological model,
and to make recommendations for future work, Zimbabwe must focus on disrupting the
developmental pathways to IPV (Holditch Niolon et al., 2017) through early childhood home
visitations. The focus should be on preschool enrichment with family engagement, parenting
skills, and family relationship programs; and treating at-risk children, youth, and families—
rather than on the immediate needs of survivors. Even with limited resources, organizations in
the field must collaborate and work closely together to reduce duplication of services. HIV/AIDS
work in the country is an example of how working as teams is helpful and can save resources.
The use of trained lay people has helped where resources were scarce without compromising the
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 36
results. IPV workers can learn from other campaigns. South Africa, one of the few countries in
Africa that have piloted preventive IPV programs, is an excellent example to follow.
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 37
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DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 44
Appendix A
Patriarchy
Zimbabwe is a patriarchal society. In patriarchal societies, men are socialized to view
themselves as breadwinners, and women are trained to be homemakers and submissive and are
defined as physically limited and subordinate to men. Many factors seem to perpetuate and
deepen the silence around IPV, and some of them include the following: (a) Women generally
have low status within their communities. Therefore, women are sometimes not taken seriously
when they raise issues that are troubling them or things they need help with to improve their
lives; (b) culture and religion promote the subordination of women and girls even from a young
age, when for example, in some cultures, a girl’s education is not prioritized in comparison to
boys’. Bisika (2008, p. 1884) asserted this point by stating that some cultural practices and
beliefs perpetuate gender-based violence through, for example, the notion that the man is the
head of the household; (c) the judicial system is extremely cumbersome, and most victims find it
traumatizing, time-consuming, and costly and end up withdrawing their cases because of fear of
being further victimized; and (d) in some cultures, victims of rape are married off, thereby
justifying or legalizing the crime. Women endure emotional scars for a long time because the
systems put in place to help continue to fail them.
Appendix B: “Lobola”: Bridal Price
The original purpose of Lobola was to thank the bride’s family for their efforts in the
upbringing of their daughter in a manner that unites two families because marriage in African
cultures, including Zimbabwe, is not just the union of two individuals, but instead of two
families (Wekwete et al., 2014). However, this practice is now being used to perpetrate IPV by
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 45
some men who view Lobola as a payment that gives them ownership of their wife, like goods
used at the owner’s discretion.
Appendix C
Mega Voice Solar-Powered Audio
Mega Voice was the world’s first solar audio Bible. It was founded in 1988 with a vision
to work in partnership with hundreds of ministries to engage billions of people who are unable to
read the Bible for themselves. The tiny, rugged, solar-powered audio Bible is still being used
worldwide to communicate to non-reading, illiterate, and visually impaired. Because Mega
Voice is solar-powered, the audio Bibles are entirely independent of electricity. Being solar
powered is a valuable feature in countries such as Zimbabwe, where millions are without
electrical power. The device can carry up to 10 hours of content. Organizations and individuals
can also load their messages onto the Mega Voice audio Bible by using a PC to drag and drop
the files (Mega A four-year follow-up study found reductions in the likelihood of being a victim
or a perpetrator of moderate psychological and physical violence as well as sexual abuse among
the eighth- and ninth-grade students from North Carolina who had participated in the Safe Dates
Project; however, there were no reductions in the likelihood of being a victim of severe physical
or psychological violence(Voice, n.d.).
Appendix D: Zimbabwe Domestic Violence Act of 2006
The Domestic Violence Act (DVA) of 2006 defines IPV as “any unlawful act, omission,
or behavior that results in death or the direct infliction of physical, sexual, or mental injury to
any complainant.” The act further states that such injuries can stem from the following:
a. Physical abuse
b. Sexual abuse
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 46
c. Emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse
d. Economic exploitation
e. Intimidation
f. Harassment
g. Stalking
h. Malicious damage to property
i. Forcible entry into the complainant’s residence where the parties do not share the
same home
j. Depriving the complainant of or hindering the complainant from access to or a
reasonable share of the use of facilities associated with the complainant’s place of
residence
k. The unreasonable disposal of household effects or other property in which the
complainant has an interest
The DVA includes protection from cultural or customary practices such as forced
virginity testing, female genital mutilation, and forced marriages. The DVA indicates that
domestic violence is a crime that can be punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years (UN
Women, 2009).
Appendix E
Safe Dates
One program with evidence of effectiveness is Safe Dates, which is a school-based
program focused on the promotion of healthy relationships and the prevention of TDV. Initially
developed for 8th and 9th graders, the program offers opportunities for students to learn and
practice skills related to conflict resolution, positive communication, and managing anger
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 47
(CDC,2015). The program includes ten classroom sessions, which provide many opportunities
for role play and skill practice, a play presented to the entire school, and a poster contest. Safe
Dates was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial and found to reduce both perpetration and
victimization of physical and sexual dating violence, and results were sustained at a four-year
follow-up, into late-adolescence. Students exposed to the program reported between 56% and
92% less perpetration and victimization, respectively, at four-year follow-up when compared to
control students, and program effects were consistent across gender, race, and baseline
experience with TDV. Students exposed to Safe Dates also reported a 12% reduction in peer
violence victimization and a 31% reduction in weapon carrying at one-year follow-up compared
to controls, demonstrating its effects on other violence outcomes associated with TDV
(CDC,2015).
Appendix F
“Fourth R”
The Fourth R: Strategies for Healthy Teen Relationships.” The program is named “The
Fourth R” to indicate that teaching youth about “relationships” is as important as teaching them
the three R’s of “reading, writing, and arithmetic.” This 21-session manualized curriculum
focuses on 1) personal safety and injury prevention; 2) healthy growth and sexuality, and 3)
substance abuse. The program offers multiple opportunities to practice and rehearse skills. The
Fourth R was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial, and significant program effects were
found among boys: boys in the intervention were almost three times less likely to report
perpetration than boys in the control condition 2.5 years after baseline (CDC,2015). However,
there was no significant intervention effect on girls’ perpetration.

DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 48
Appendix G
Green Dot
This program educates and empowers participants to engage in both reactive and
proactive responses to interpersonal violence, such as dating or sexual abuse, to reduce the
likelihood of assault. Bystander training is conducted in groups by trained facilitators in four to
six-hour training sessions. An evaluation of Green Dot implemented with college students found
that after three years of implementation, the intervention campus had a 9% lower rate of overall
violence victimization, 19% lower rate of sexual harassment and stalking perpetration, and 11%
lower rate of sexual harassment and stalking victimization when compared with two non-
intervention college campuses. Male students on Green Dot campuses reported lower rates of
perpetration of overall violence and lower rates of psychological dating violence relative to
control campuses (CDC,2015).
Appendix H
The Uganda HIV/AIDS Campaign
In Uganda’s National campaign to combat HIV and AIDS, the entire population was
mobilized in the fight against HIV and were made aware of the consequences that risky behavior
could have for their country. In the early stages of the epidemic, the government responded
swiftly, giving out simple messages about abstaining from sex until marriage, staying faithful to
one's spouse, and using condoms. The key message was "Zero Grazing," which instructed people
to avoid casual sex. More complicated messages about risky behavior and safer sex were not
spread until later when there had already begun to be a decline in HIV figures. While other
countries proceeded in denial, effectively stigmatizing and hiding away those most affected, in
Uganda people living with AIDS took the lead in the campaign. A famous pioneer in
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 49
communication about AIDS was Philly Lutaaya, a legendary Ugandan musician who announced
in 1989 that he was HIV positive. Through his music and educational tours, Lutaaya spread
understanding, compassion, and respect for people living with HIV and encouraged others to
come forward to confront the disease. The AIDS Support Organization (TASO), founded in 1987
by Noeleen Kaleeba, who lost her husband to HIV and AIDS as a result of a blood transfusion,
provided emotional and medical support to many thousands of people and helped to fight the
stigma. Thanks to the strong political leadership provided by President Yoweri Museveni,
Ugandans united in an unprecedented fight that witnessed significant shifts in behavior as well as
reductions in HIV infections from 17% in the early 1990s to about 6% in 2005. What emerges
from the detailed study of these two best practices campaigns is that central to any quest for
social change is an overarching campaign that has a vision, targeted messages, slogans, and
branding around which people can be inspired, mobilized and develop their local-level
campaigns. The Uganda case study also demonstrates the enormous importance of having those
most affected at the front of the march, particularly in circumstances where their victimization is
compounded by silencing, and conversely, where their voices are the most convincing in
advocating for change (CDC,2015).
Appendix I
Cultural Sensitivity
Cultural sensitivity emphasizes the provider’s understanding of a client’s
background, ethnicity, and belief system. Providers can incorporate cultural sensitivity into their
work to accommodate and respect the differences in opinions, values, and attitudes of different
cultures and people. Cultural sensitivity also allows providers to gain and maintain cultural
competence, which is the ability first to recognize and understand one’s own culture and how it
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 50
influences one’s relationship with a client, and to then understand and respond to the perception
that is different from one’s own. The need for this understanding may be based on characteristics
such as age, beliefs, ethnicity, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic
status (Psychology Today, n.d.).
Appendix J
The public health approach
The principles of public health provide a useful framework for both continuing to
investigate and understand the causes and consequences of violence and for preventing abuse
from occurring through primary prevention programs, policy interventions, and advocacy. The
activities of VPA are guided by the scientifically tested and proven principles and
recommendations described in the World report on violence and health. This public health
approach to violence prevention seeks to improve the health and safety of all individuals by
addressing underlying risk factors that increase the likelihood that an individual will become a
victim or a perpetrator of violence (Violence Prevention Alliance,2019).
The approach consists of four steps:
To define the problem through the systematic collection of information about the
magnitude, scope, characteristics, and consequences of violence.
To establish why violence occurs using research to determine the causes and correlates of
violence, the factors that increase or decrease the risk for abuse, and the factors that could be
modified through interventions.
To find out what works to prevent violence by designing, implementing, and evaluating
interventions (Violence Prevention Alliance,2019).
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 51
To implement effective and promising interventions in a wide range of settings. The
effects of these interventions on risk factors and the target outcome should be monitored, and
their impact and cost-effectiveness should be evaluated.
By definition, public health aims to provide the maximum benefit for the most significant
number of people. Programs for the primary prevention of violence based on the public health
approach are designed to expose a broad segment of a population to prevention measures and to
reduce and prevent abuse at a population-level (Violence Prevention Alliance,2019).

Appendix K
Questionnaire
Circle the best answer to each given question.
1. There is a law against any form of abuse against women.

2. There are protective provisions for women in the law.

3. Having a baby will solve any relationship problem.

4. Myths in relationships have helped women remain happy.

5. Couples' therapy means that the man is weak.

Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly Disagree
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 52
6. Only one person is supposed to be happy in a relationship.

7. In-laws are pillars of our society and are supposed to make decisions in most of our
households.

8. If I ever need relationship help, I know where to go.
Posttest.
1. There is a law against any form of abuse against women.

2. There are protective provisions in the law

3.Having a baby solve relationship problems

4. Myths in relationships have helped women remain happy.

5. Couples' therapy means the man is weak.

6. Only one person is supposed to be happy in a relationship.

Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly Disagree
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 53
7. In-laws are a pillar of our society and are supposed to make most decisions for our household.

8. If I ever need relationship, help, l know where to go.

9. Having a baby solve any relationship issues.

10. I have learned a lot about Gender-Based Violence.

11. Relationship myths have perpetuated the abuse of women for generations.

12. Due to the information provided, l will seek help if ever l find myself needing relationship
help.

13. I will start conversations with my peers regarding healthy relationships, even though it is not
a common thing to do.

14. I will not stand by and watch someone being abused, even though we are taught not to talk
about IPV.

Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly Disagree
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 54
15. Running away from a forced marriage will cause the death of all my family members

Appendix L
Logic Model

Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly Disagree
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 55
Appendix M
Victims Friendly Unit
The Victim Friendly Unit was established to proactively and reactively police crimes of sexual
nature committed against women and children in a manner sensitive to the victim. The Unit aims
to be supportive of victims and to make the environment conducive, private and friendly. It
further aims to be empathetic, meticulous, professional, expeditious, and maintain confidentiality
when handling victims of sexual abuse. Protection of victims who have suffered or who are at
the risk of suffering serious harm and ensuring that all reasonable efforts are made to safely
maintain children in their own homes once abuse or neglect has been discovered or disclosed is
one of its aims (ZRP.gov).

DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 56

Appendix N
Timeline

DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 57
Appendix O
Projected three-year budget.

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
REVENUE Justification
Sponsor-Geek Investments 20,000.00 $ 15,000.00 $ 15,000.00 $
Other sources of Revenue 15,500.00 $ 15,500.00 $ 15,500.00 $ S Masiyiwa Foundation, Gender Links, Diaspora Groups.
Total Revenue 35,500.00 $ 30,500.00 $ 30,500.00 $
EXPENSES
Personnel 11,200.00 $ 11,480.00 $ 11,767.00 $
10 PT MSW-$ 5000, 5 PT Nurses-$2500, 1 Physician-$2500, 1 PT
Religious leader-$800, 1 Elder-$400. 2.5% COLA for year 2 & 3
Direct Expenses
Office Operations 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $
Travel 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00 $
Meetings 150.00 $ 150.00 $ 150.00 $
Workshops 300.00 $ 300.00 $ 300.00 $
Marketing 700.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $
Consultation 500.00 $ 500.00 $ 500.00 $
Communications 200.00 $ 200.00 $ 200.00 $
Subtotal 5,850.00 $ 6,150.00 $ 6,150.00 $
Indirect/other costs 2,000.00 $ 2,000.00 $ 2,000.00 $
Equipment 4,500.00 $ 10 laptops-$3000, audio players-$1000, Shipping and handling-$500
Contractual 10,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $
Media house uploading IPV awareness information on Audio Player
Total Expenses 33,550.00 $ 29,630.00 $ 29,917.00 $
Projected 3 Year Budegt
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 58
Final Prototype
Appendix P
Solar audio player, IPV educational information, and Group Activities.

Information to be loaded on the audio player- Information is to be translated in the native
language.
1. DVA of 2007
2. Relationship Myths
3.Red Flags in a relationship
4.Healthy relationship tips
5.Safety Planning.
Domestic violence
Domestic violence is a burden on numerous sectors of the social system and quietly, yet
dramatically affects the development of a nation; batterers cost governments fortunes in terms of
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 59
law enforcement, health care, lost labor, and general progress in development (Hindin, 2016).
According to Hindin, these costs do not only affect the present generation; what begins as an
assault by one person on another, reverberates through the family and the community into the
future”. In 2009 the cost of IPV in our country was over two Billion dollars (Zimbabwestatistics
agency, 2015).
Domestic violence against women is an age-old phenomenon. Women were always
considered weak, vulnerable, and in a position to be exploited (Shamu, 2018). Violence has long
been accepted as something that happens to women. Cultural norms, religious practices, and
economic conditions may set a precedent for initiating and perpetuating domestic violence, but
ultimately, committing an act of violence is a choice that the individual makes out of a range of
options (UN Women,2009). Although one cannot underestimate the importance of macro
system-level forces (such as cultural and social norms) in the etiology of gender-based violence
within any country, including Zimbabwe, individual-level variables (such as observing violence
between one's parents while growing up, absent or rejecting father, delinquent peer associations)
also play essential roles in the development of such abuse ( Wekwete,2014). The gender
imbalance in domestic violence is partly related to differences in physical strength and size.
Moreover, women are socialized into their gender roles in different societies throughout
the world. In nations like ours, with the patriarchal power structure and rigid gender roles,
women are often poorly equipped to protect themselves if their partners become violent.
However, much of the disparity relates to how men-dependence and fearfulness amount to a
cultural conquest. Husbands who batter wives typically feel that they are exercising a right,
maintaining good order in the family, and punishing their wives' delinquency - especially the
wives' failure to keep their proper place (Shamu,2018). Violence not only causes physical injury,
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 60
but it also undermines the social, economic, psychological, spiritual, and emotional well-being of
the victim, the perpetrator, and society (Abrahamsky,2014). Domestic violence is a significant
contributor to the ill health of women.
It has severe consequences on women's mental and physical health, including their
reproductive and sexual health. These include injuries, gynecological problems, temporary or
permanent disabilities, depression, and suicide, amongst others. “Many forms of verbal and
psychological abuse appear relatively harmless at first, but expand and grow more menacing
over time, sometimes gradually and subtly (Shamu,2018). As victims adapt to abusive behavior,
the verbal or psychological tactics can gain a strong ‘foothold’ in victims' minds, making it
difficult for them to recognize the severity of the abuse over time (UN women, 2012).”
These physical and mental health outcomes have social and emotional effects for the
individual, the family, the community. Women's bodily injuries and psychological issues either
interrupt or end, their educational and career paths leading to poverty and economic dependence.
Family life gets disrupted which has a significant effect on children, including poverty (if
divorce or separation occurs) and a loss of faith and trust in the institution of the family. These
sequelae not only affect the quality of life of individuals and communities but also have long-
term effects on social order and cohesion (UN Women, 2012).
Impact of Domestic Violence on Children
Children who witness domestic violence may develop serious emotional, behavioral,
developmental, or academic problems. As they mature, children and teens who grow up with
domestic violence in the household are: more likely to use force at school or community in
response to perceived threats more likely to attempt suicide more likely to use drugs more likely
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 61
to commit crimes, especially sexual assault more likely to use violence to enhance their
reputation and self-esteem more likely to become abusers in later life
Why Do Women in Zimbabwe Stay?
Economic dependence is the central reason. Without the ability to sustain themselves
economically, women are forced to stay in abusive relationships and are not able to be free from
violence. Due to deep-rooted values and culture, women do not prefer to adopt the option of
separation or divorce. They also fear the consequences of reporting abuse and declare an
unwillingness to subject themselves to the shame of being identified as battered women. Lack of
information about alternatives also forces women to suffer silently within the four walls of their
homes. Some women may believe that they deserve the beatings because of some wrong action
on their part. Other women refrain from speaking about the abuse because they fear that their
partner will further harm them in reprisal for revealing family secrets, or they may be ashamed of
their situation.
Violence against women is a violation of fundamental human rights. It is shameful for the
states that fail to prevent it and societies that tolerate and perpetuate it. It must be eliminated
through legal and civil action in all sectors of society (WHO,2017). As a society trying to
eradicate intimate partner violence by understanding the cultural norms which in our case can be
experienced through myths and taboos passed from generation to generation, we can sit down,
together and look at those things that seem to perpetuate violence, teach the younger generations
and those to come on how to identify them and avoid getting in unhealthy relationships.

DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 62
Zimbabwe Domestic Violence Act of 2007
The Domestic Violence Act of 2006 defines IPV as “any unlawful act, omission, or behavior
which results in death or the direct infliction of physical, sexual or mental injury to any
complainant.” The act further states that such injuries can stem from the following
(Veritas T,2014).
a. Physical abuse
b. Sexual abuse
c. Emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse
d. Economic abuse,
e. Intimidation
f. Harassment
g. Stalking
h. Malicious damage to property
i. Forcible entry into the complainant’s residence where the parties do not share the same
residence
j. Depriving the complainant of or hindering the complainant from access to or a reasonable
share of the use of facilities associated with the complainant’s place of residence
k. The unreasonable disposal of household effect or other property in which the complainant has
an interest
The Domestic Violence Act includes protection from cultural or customary practices such as
forced virginity testing, female genital mutilation, and forced marriages. The DVA
indicates that domestic violence is a crime that can be punishable by imprisonment for up
to 10 years
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 63
Some examples of Relationship Myths that have perpetrated domestic violence
1. Myth: If, as a young woman, your father tells you to marry an older man and you refuse or
run away, you will have bad luck and die.
Fact: Listen to stories of those who have run away from such forced relationships, none has died
because then we won’t be hearing their stories.
2. Myth: Avoid voicing dissatisfactions early on, and women ought to be quiet.
Fact: The first stage of a relationship sets future expectations about the roles you each will play,
your initiative levels, communication styles, and other relationship dynamics. If your
partner is late to most meetings, even by a little, and you say nothing, you message that
you'll be okay with their lateness going forward. If you’re not okay with delay, you need
to speak up, even on the second date, and even if by voicing just a mild and constructive
comment (Winch,2015).
3. Myth: "He/she knows what they did to upset me."
Fact: Although many of us assume our partners should be able to read our minds, science has yet
to prove the existence of telepathy even among long-term couples. Yes, your partner can
probably tell you are upset, but they’ve probably done a thousand things to upset you
over the years, so figuring out which of them is the culprit this time is a risky proposition.
Don’t stew and wait for them to confess. Just telling them why you’re upset will save you
both time and aggravation (Winch,2015).
4. Myth: Having a baby will solve our problems; after all, you get married to have babies,
especially baby boys, to keep the family name going.
Fact: Having a baby is a fantastic experience that will change your lives in every way. It is also
the most stressful thing you could do to a relationship. If your goal is to be too exhausted
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 64
to argue, then procreate away. But if you’re already having problems, you should deal
with them directly and not expect a baby to make them disappear. Marital satisfaction
almost always dips after the birth of a couple’s first child.
5. Myth: If you are in a relationship, you shouldn’t need to be close to anyone else unless it’s
your partner's side of the family (Winch,2015).
Fact: One person asserting this to his or her partner is either an attempt to control that person or
just sheer ignorance about our basic psychological need for friendship and community.
6. Myth: Couples in good relationships don’t argue, and women need to be submissive.
Fact: One of the most consistent and established research findings in all of psychology is that
what matters is not if couples argue but how they argue. Productive arguments are those
that avoid escalation and result in resolutions, problem-solving, and mutually agreed on
takeaways for dealing with similar situations more productively in the future. Most
couples should learn how to argue productively and practice the relevant skills if they
want to change how they deal with confrontations.
7. Myth: Good relationships don’t require work, and if you marry from the same village, then
you already know the family.
Fact: Of course, relationships take work—and lots of it. You’re merging your own life, needs
wants, desires, dreams, and hopes, all of which shift and change over time and in
response to various circumstances, with those of another person whose separate needs,
wants, desires, and dreams also shift and change. How else is such a complicated
endeavor possibly supposed to succeed unless you both work at it? How much work it
takes might ebb and flow, but expect to invest attention and work even in the best of
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 65
times (Tartakovsky,2018). Knowing your partner’s family has nothing to do with how the
two of you will treat each other.
8. Myth: “Jealousy is a sign of true love and caring.”
Fact: Jealousy is more about how secure and confident you are with yourself and your
relationship (or the lack thereof). Take the following example: If you have a jealous
partner, you might try to show them how much you care, so they don’t get jealous. But
you soon realize that any amount of caring isn’t a cure for their jealous reactions
(Tartakovsky,2018).
While you can be supportive, your partner must work on their insecurity issues on their own.
“No matter what you do, you can’t make your partner feel more secure” or “change their
self-confidence.”
9. Myth: For the relationship to be successful, the other partner must change.
Fact: Many times, we’re very good at the blame game and not so good at pondering how
we can become better partners. Instead, we demand that our partners make such and such
changes (Tartakovsky,2018).
Unless there are extreme circumstances like abuse or chronic infidelity, experts say it takes two
to make changes (Tartakovsky,2018).
10. Myth: “Couples therapy means your relationship is really in trouble,” By the time couples
seek therapy, this may be true, but changing this mindset is critical. Most couples seek
treatment “when they’ve been suffering for a long time,” and real men do not need
therapy; they fix what is broken on their own and their terms (Tartakovsky,2018).
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 66
Fact: Instead, experts encourage people to view couples’ therapy as preventative. This way, a
couple comes in when they’ve been stuck on one or two conflicts for a few months, “not
five or six over the last ten years.”
Tips for a healthy relationship
No relationship is perfect all the time. But in a healthy relationship, both people feel good about
the relationship most of the time. A great relationship takes more than attraction — it
takes work, and both of you must be willing to put in the effort.
Love yourself. Being comfortable with who you are means you’ll be a happier partner.
Communicate. Talk to your partner about your feelings. Ask questions and listen to their
answers. If you’re upset, say so — don’t make your partner try to figure out what’s up.
Talking through problems builds trust and makes your relationship stronger. And it’s not
all about how to deal with your problems — don’t forget to let them know when
something they do makes you happy. Silence, when you are supposed to talk, never
solves anything in a relationship.
Be honest. Be truthful with each other about what you do, think, and feel. Honesty creates trust.
Few things harm a relationship more than lies.
Give each other some space. A couple’s time is great but spending all your time together isn’t.
It’s healthy to have your friends and interests outside of the relationship.
Agree to disagree. You’re not always going to see eye to eye, and that’s OK. The important
thing is to respect each other’s opinions and ideas (Tartakovsky,2018).
Forgive and ask for forgiveness. Everybody makes mistakes. Be willing to apologize for yours
— and accept your partner’s apologies.
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 67
Support each other. When your partner does something great, tell them! Your partner should do
the same for you.
Use “I statement.” Share how you feel and what you want without assigning blame or motives.
E.g., “When you don’t call me, I start to feel like you don’t care about me” vs. “You
never call me when you’re away. I guess I’m the only one who cares about this
relationship (Winch,2015).
Keep your language clear and specific. Try to factually describe behavior that you are upset
with, avoiding criticism and judgment. Attack the problem, not the person.
Focus on the current issue. The conversation is likely to get bogged down if you pile on
everything that bothers you. Avoid using “always” and “never” language and address
one issue at a time (Winch,2015).
Take responsibility for mistakes. Apologize if you have done something wrong; it goes a long
way toward setting things right again.
Recognize some problems are not easily solved. Not all differences or difficulties can be
resolved. You are different people, and your values, beliefs, habits, and personality may
not always be in alignment. Communication goes a long way toward helping you
understand each other and address concerns, but some things are deeply rooted and may
not change significantly. It is essential to figure out for yourself what you can accept, or
when a relationship is no longer healthy for you.
Red Flags in a relationship
Controlling behavior. A partner may attempt to “divide and conquer,” driving a wedge between
you and other significant people in your life (Winch,2015).”. They may be jealous of
your ongoing relationships with these people or feel the need to control where you go and
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 68
who you associate with, limiting your world to allow in only what is essential to them.
Sometimes, they may make you choose them over significant others as an expression of
"love."
A dark or secretive past. Behaviors that are suspicious, illegal activities and addictive
behaviors that haven’t been resolved and continue into your relationship are obvious red
flags. But you shouldn't ignore or excuse anything that strikes you as strange or makes
you feel uncomfortable. (Of course, if a person has done the necessary corrective work
and continues doing so for their good and the good of the relationship, that is a different
story(Winch,2015)”.)
Lack of communication. These individuals find it difficult to talk about issues or express how
they feel. Often, when it would seem most important to be open and honest, they distance
themselves emotionally, leaving their partner hanging, or having to deal with a situation
on their own. Often, whatever is “communicated” is expressed through moodiness and
sometimes the dreaded “silent treatment (Winch,2015).”
You Have to Justify Their Bad Behavior.
Your relationship shouldn't consist of writing apologetics for your partner. For example, if your
partner is rude to your friends, you shouldn't have to tell them, "Oh, they're rude if they don't
know you, but they're nice once you get to know them." Sometimes, there is a reason for the
undesired behavior, but often, you are trying to take something inexcusable and using all the
mental gymnastics you can to give it an excuse. If you find yourself doing this, it may be a red
flag (The 12 early relationship red flags,2019).
They Have A Hard Time Apologizing. One of the cornerstones of a good relationship is
apologizing. Couples are going to get into fights, or be wrong about things, and apologizing is a
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 69
great way to hold accountability and help repair the problem the two of your face (Winch, 2015).
However, if your partner won't admit they were wrong, or apologize for something they blatantly
did, then this may be a sign of a bad relationship. Some people have time admitting fault, and
this can make the future of your relationship more complicated (Winch, 2015). How can the two
of you grow if one refuses to acknowledge their flaws?
Embarrassing or shaming you even in public
Preventing you from working
Pressuring you to have sex when you don’t want
Making you feel guilty for all the problems in the relationship
When in-laws oversee what goes or what does not in your relationship

Safety Planning is a personalized plan that can help you avoid dangerous situations and know
the best way to react if you're in danger. Plan with your children, so they know where to
go when they do not feel safe.
Agree on a code that alerts your children that things are not well (It might be a word, a song or
number)
Arrange for a place to stay when you must leave the house
Have copies of relevant documents on you (educational certificates, marriage certificates, etc.)
Pack and hide an overnight bag
Do not talk about or threaten to leave
Keep any evidence of abuse, such as hospital documentation, etc.
Know where you can go to get help. (police, Musasa Project) Tell someone what is happening to
you.
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 70
If you are injured, go to a doctor or your nearest clinic and report what happened to you. Ask that
they document your visit (Safetyplanning, n.d).
If you have children, identify a safe place for them, like a room with a lock or a friend’s house
where they can go for help. Reassure them that their job is to stay safe, not to protect you.
If you need a safe place to stay, contact your local shelter and find out about laws and other
resources available (Safetyplanning, n.d).
Acquire job skills or take courses at a vocational college as you can.
Try to set money aside or ask friends or family members to hold money for you (Safetyplanning,
n.d).
It is never a woman’s fault that they are beaten, yelled at, coerced in doing what they do not want
to do, or are left with no money to support the family. Being knowledgeable about abuse before
settling is a great way to reduce the increasing numbers of women affected by domestic violence
in our country Zimbabwe. 2 in 3 women of reproductive age and long-term relationships have
been affected by domestic violence in their lifetime. This will help us know signs of an abuser, it
helps with knowing laws and policies that protect women, places to go when help is needed, and
it starts crucial conversations about folktales, taboos, and myths passed from generation to
generation, and yet some perpetuate abuse.

DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 71
Upstander support Group
Discussion questions, case study and role play
Week 1-3
1. Define an Upstander.
2. Who can be an Upstander?
3. Are there consequences for passive and active upstanders?
4. What does our community say about getting involved in the face of abuse?
5. What are some of our cultural stipulations as far as intervening to stop IPV?
6.IPV story/case study
7. Participants role-play using traditional dances that depict IPV stories.
Week 4-6
1. Are upstanders among us?
2. Define abusive behaviors
3. Consequences of hurting others, physically or emotionally for the abuser and the
community as a whole
4. The reason why people hurt others
5. IPV poem writing and rehearsal
Week 7-9
1. Why are we complicit when it comes to IPV?
2. Cultural expectations- Privacy, Silence
3. Expecting the next person to help, who is the next person?
4. Fear of being hurt and sanctions from their reference group- Rural dwellers are
known for higher incidents of IPV compared to their urban dwellers, according to
DECONSTRUCTING PATRIARCHY 72
Riddle (2009). They are also known to adhere to rules because they do not want to be
sanctioned.
5. Fear of being called disloyal by other villagers. (Discuss the use of the trained
laywomen to help).
6. What can we do to overcome these barriers?
7. Roleplay.
(Adapted from Training active bystanders: A Curriculum for School and Community
©2007 Quabbin Mediation and Ervin Staub Ph.D.)
Mentoring Groups
1. Address self-esteem, self-confidence, and the meaning of love for each participant.
2. Take relationship questions from participants and facilitate the group.
3. IPV poster boards.

Abstract (if available)

Abstract The problem of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) against women is epidemic in Zimbabwe

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Asset Metadata

Creator Taruwinga, Idah (author)

Core Title Myths and taboos: deconstructing patriarchy through intimate partner violence awareness

School Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

Degree Doctor of Social Work

Degree Program Social Work

Publication Date 12/16/2019

Defense Date 11/22/2019

Publisher University of Southern California (original), University of Southern California. Libraries (digital)

Tag intimate partner violence,IPV educational campaign,mentoring,OAI-PMH Harvest,patriarchy,primary preventative IPV programs,public health model,rural young women,upstander empowerment groups,Zimbabwe

Language English

Contributor Electronically uploaded by the author (provenance)

Advisor Lewis, Jennifer (committee chair), Islam, Nadia (committee member), Katz, Irvin (committee member)

Creator Email idahmhazi@hotmail.com,taruwing@usc.edu

Permanent Link (DOI) https://doi.org/10.25549/usctheses-c89-253656

Unique identifier UC11673969

Identifier etd-TaruwingaI-8069.pdf (filename),usctheses-c89-253656 (legacy record id)

Legacy Identifier etd-TaruwingaI-8069.pdf

Dmrecord 253656

Document Type Capstone project

Rights Taruwinga, Idah

Type texts

Source University of Southern California (contributing entity), University of Southern California Dissertations and Theses (collection)

Access Conditions The author retains rights to his/her dissertation, thesis or other graduate work according to U.S. copyright law. Electronic access is being provided by the USC Libraries in agreement with the a...

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