Zimbabwean stories of "Best Practice" - SAfAIDS

e started and run in other areas. Above all, WAG has its official mouth-piece, the 'Speak Out' magazine.This magazine is published for the purpose of, among others; promoting outreach programmes on genderand HIV and AIDS, sharing information on WAG's activities, issuing of periodic highlights on the status ofwomen in Zimbabwe in relation to the issues of gender based violence and sexual and reproductive healthrights.6.3 Programme successesThe following are the key programme successes, as reported by the community members interviewed:• reduction in incidences of domestic violence• widow inheritance is now almost non-existent• reduction in sexually transmitted infections (STIs)• reduction in cases of gender based violence• more uptake of condoms• youths more circumspect in selection of partners• reduction in unwanted pregnancies• more people volunteering to be tested• high awareness of gender disparities and link with spread of HIV• polygamy on the decline due to educational campaigns on how the practice hampers efforts tomitigate the spread of HIV• more women becoming aware of their rights6.4 ChallengesA major challenge faced concerned the financial difficulties faced as a result of operating amidst theprevailing economic down-turn in Zimbabwe. The evaluation reports of activities explained how theCampaign for Social Change downsized and discontinued activities in three wards due to limited economicresources owing to the prevailing hyperinflationary environment.Another challenge, related to the stressful economic and political environment of Zimbabwe, was theoverwhelming requests for assistance from women in need. Although WAG did its best to assist all thosewho came forward, sometimes they simply did not have the resources to meet the demand for their services.Whilst this demand was complimentary of the work that WAG was doing, meeting all the expressed needsremained a significant challenge.6.5 Lessons learntThe following are some of the lessons learnt from the Campaign for Social Change:• All stakeholders are relevant to the successful implementation of the Campaign for Social Change.They mutually complemented efforts, for example, the National Family Planning Council providedcondoms whilst the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare provided post-exposure prophylaxis andother services. Their participation enhanced service delivery.• When talking of social change in cultural practices there is a need to deal with the drivers of change;duty bearers and custodians of culture have to be convinced first.45