Co-Parenting to Reduce Conflict in the Family in Zimbabwe Commences its First Stage
Photo courtesy of Natalie Davidson
Co-Parenting to Reduce Conflict in the Family in Zimbabwe study leads Natalie Davidson and Professor Cathy Ward have recently completed a three-week visit to Mutare, Zimbabwe, to commence the piloting process for the study. The purpose of the visit was to consult with local communities and leadership, train research assistants and facilitators, and gather input for the programme's feasibility and acceptability.
Photo courtesy of Natalie Davidson
The visit was made possible with the support of Plan International Zimbabwe, the implementing partner. Focusing on Ward 18 in the Mutare District of Manicaland Province, the team conducted focus groups with separate groups of men, women, and teenagers. During the advisory board-style discussions, the team explained the program and its structure to the participants, with a particular focus on whether men would want to participate in the program and how best to recruit them. While the findings of these focus groups are being finalised, the team can offer a few key insights. Overall, all the groups were very interested in the program and were keen to participate. Men, in particular, were excited to be consulted about and included in the program, expressing appreciation for the fact that the discussion was also involving men, as most programs only include females. Women in the focus groups were pleased to have their male partners included in the program, with one woman saying, "We’re very happy because we will be speaking the same language."
In addition to the focus groups, the team also trained members of the local community, Plan International Zimbabwe staff, and representatives from the Ministry of Women's Affairs, Gender, and Community Development, Ministry of Youth, and the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts, and Recreation. The interactive five-day training was conducted with trainers from Clowns Without Borders South Africa and was described as fun and informative. The facilitators are now ready and enthusiastic to implement the programme.
Photo courtesy of Natalie Davidson
The adapted PLH Teen programme will be an important step forward in preventing violence against women and engaging fathers in Zimbabwe. The success of this pilot programme could have implications for similar programmes in other parts of the world.
