Скачать или смотреть Voices unfiltered: Mbire women and men challenge harmful norms driving conflict

In Mbire’s Nyakatsa village, Ward 16, candid conversations about power, gender roles and relationship dynamics took centre stage as men and women opened up about long-standing practices that fuel clashes in households, often escalating into gender-based violence and increasing vulnerability to HIV.

The dialogue, facilitated by Katswe Sistahood and the National AIDS Council, is part of the SASA! Together methodology, a community-driven model developed by Raising Voices that guides participants through four phases: Start, Awareness, Support, and Action. It unpacks how power imbalances and toxic masculinity contribute to violence against women and heightened HIV risk.

Through structured questions led by Katswe Sistahood Acting Director Chengetayi Chininga, women spoke about the pressures and risks they face, including the consequences of behaviour deemed “inappropriate” by men and the expectations placed on them in Mbire.

Men discussed the difficulties of fulfilling traditional male roles, their perceptions of equality, and the misunderstandings with women that often spark conflict.

The open dialogue aimed to help the community identify behaviors and norms that must shift to reduce violence and strengthen HIV prevention. The session forms part of a wider effort to support villagers to scale up local solutions and foster safer, more equitable relationships.

Video and report by Anesu Masamvu in Mbire District