Zimbabwean stories of "Best Practice" - SAfAIDS

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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
• Challenging cultural practices is a process requiring a multi-sectoral approach.• Dealing with couples in gender mainstreaming is strategic for the successful implementation of theCampaign for Social Change.• There is a need for a holistic approach in addressing issues of culture, gender and the spread of HIV,especially one that acknowledges the interlinkages between and among various phenomena.• Planning ahead for a multiplier effect through IEC material is critically important for programeffectiveness.6.6 Way forwardWAG's general vision is to realise a Zimbabwe where women enjoy all their human rights. Through theCampaign for Social Change, WAG envisions a Zimbabwe where women enjoy gender equality in sexualand reproductive issues; where gender-insensitive cultural practices are overcome and where women's riskof HIV infection is reduced. This vision aligns the programme to current national and international trendsand instruments on gender, women's rights and HIV and AIDS.With a more enabling economic, political and social environment, WAG plans to increase the number ofwards being targeted by the intervention. WAG also intends to replicate the strategy behind the Campaignfor Social Change in other areas within Zimbabwe, paying attention to area-specific cultural norms andpractices. Livelihood projects such as livestock rearing and nutrition and vegetable gardens are alsoenvisioned for the programme as a way of ensuring the food and economic security of community members,to facilitate their empowerment through becoming more self-sufficient.6.7 ConclusionWAG's Campaign for Social Change has brought hope and empowerment to a large number of women.Its careful, strongly participatory implementation process, based on a preliminary baseline survey, has largelybeen responsible for its success. Despite economic set-backs due to Zimbabwe's hyperinflationaryenvironment, the Campaign for Social Change has remained a dynamic and integral part of WAG's currentprogramme activities.46
Page 5 and 6: ACKNOWLEDGMENTSOxfam International
Page 7 and 8: 1. INTRODUCTION TO THIS BEST PRACTI
Page 9 and 10: SADC's HIV and AIDS Strategic Frame
Page 11 and 12: 2. PROJECT OVERVIEW2.1 BackgroundIn
Page 13 and 14: 3. METHODOLOGYTo enhance transparen
Page 16 and 17: 4.2 Cultural practices relating to
Page 18 and 19: 5. CASE STUDY 1Culture Dialogue Ser
Page 20 and 21: Leadership buy in: A key step in th
Page 22 and 23: still valid, was demanding sex and
Page 24 and 25: Round 3 - The Action DialogueIn the
Page 26 and 27: The objectives of this gala were to
Page 28 and 29: • Community based volunteer handb
Page 30 and 31: • Enhanced communication around s
Page 32 and 33: InnovativenessThe Culture Dialogue
Page 34 and 35: 5.6 Lessons learntThe richness of t
Page 36 and 37: 6. CASE STUDY 2The Campaign for Soc
Page 38 and 39: 6.2 Elements of a Best PracticeEffe
Page 40 and 41: The welfare of various interest gro
Page 42 and 43: Relevance continued...WAG's interve
Page 44 and 45: SustainabilityThe programme is sust
Page 48 and 49: 7. CASE STUDY 3Church, Family, Rela
Page 50 and 51: Initially, there was some oppositio
Page 52 and 53: SustainabilityThe programme has som
Page 54 and 55: 8. CASE STUDY 4Auntie Stella Youth
Page 56 and 57: EffectivenessAn evaluation carried
Page 58 and 59: ReplicabilityThe proof of Auntie St
Page 60 and 61: • TARSC works with implementing p
Page 62 and 63: 9. CASE STUDY 5Shangaan-Hlengwe Cul
Page 64 and 65: Indeed, SEVACA had noted a trend th
Page 66 and 67: In essence, the situational analysi
Page 68 and 69: ReplicabilityThe project has been e
Page 70 and 71: 9.4 ChallengesThe national economic
Page 72 and 73: Padare recognises that many boys an
Page 74 and 75: The Padare project being implemente
Page 76 and 77: Campaigns are also conducted with t
Page 78 and 79: What happens when men cease to be b
Page 80 and 81: In essence, all the intervention wo
Page 82 and 83: Another unique feature of the Padar
Page 84 and 85: However, this problem is being addr
Page 86 and 87: established churches, such as the P
Page 88 and 89: individuals. An implementer from Pa
Page 90: peopleunlimited

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