Community-based training in communication and safer sex

By sanctioning unequal power relations between men and women, a number of social practices and cultural traditions limit women's ability to negotiate safer sex or discuss reproductive health issues with their partners. In addition, various forms of domestic and gender-based violence, which are often condoned by cultural leaders, deny women their basic human rights.

Recognizing the power of culture within Zimbabwean society, Oxfam partner, SAfAIDS, embarked on a project to pilot a cultural approach to addressing HIV and women's rights. The project was implemented in collaboration with Seke Rural Home Based Care (SHRBC). In the first phase of the project eight cultural dialogue sessions were held (two with women, two with men, two with custodians of culture and two with the entire community).

The purpose of the Community Dialogue Series was to sensitize custodians ofcustomary law, general policy/law makers and communities on the significant status and vital role that cultural practices and beliefs bear towards effectively realizing the rights of women and girls amidst HIV and AIDS, SAfAIDS played the strategic role of convener and facilitator. Participants of the dialogues represented various wards within Seke Rural District. The dialogues were a key opportunity for custodians of culture, popular opinion leaders, key stakeholders and communities to deliberate on the key driving factors and cultures that directly influence the spread of HIV. The key word during this work was dialogue'. The meetings weren't intended to apportion blame, but instead to foster a culture of cooperation, self-review, self-critique and ownership of a process that will yield fresh and innovative strategies and commitments to social change, through the lens of culture.

Mbuya's story

Mbuya Marandu's husband left her in 1992, when he was still working in the city. He moved in with a younger woman. Mbuya Marandu then decided to go to their rural home where she has been making a living through subsistence agriculture. After 15 years, her husband came back when his younger wife died. Mbuya has refused to give in to his demands for sex. She says she became aware of her rights through SAfAIDS training. She continues to deny her husband sex until he goes for an HIV test or he agrees to use a condom.