Male Survivors of Gender-Based Violence: Community-Based Interventions in Chipinge District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) against men remains largely invisible in Sub-Saharan Africa, with traditional masculinity norms creating silence and marginalising rural Zimbabwean men from support services. In Chipinge District, the absence of accessible formal and culturally appropriate support systems leaves male survivors without culturally relevant pathways to healing and recovery. This study develops a community-based, culturally appropriate support model for male GBV survivors, using participatory action research. Data collection involved indepth life history interviews with 25 male GBV survivors, 48 participants in focus group discussions (traditional leaders, church leaders and community health workers) and key informant interviews with 12existing service providers and district officials. This was complemented by community mapping exercises and participatory workshops. The Intersectionality Theory and the Ubuntu/Hunhu Philosophy were used to examine how gender, class, age, ethnic identities and rural-urban dynamics intersect to shape men’s GBV experiences. Findings reveal barriers, including fear of social ridicule, masculinity, threats, limited financial resources and the absence of male-friendly community support environments as affecting male survivors’ access to support. The proposed model integrates traditional healing practices with contemporary support mechanisms. This includes community dialogue programmes, training for traditional leaders, confidential peer support circles, culturally appropriate reporting mechanisms and economic empowerment initiatives.