In many sub-Saharan African countries, judicial systems and traditional courts still fail to recognize domestic violence as a crime. Violence may be considered an appropriate response if a wife argues with her husband, fails to have food ready at meal time, or goes out without her husband’s permission. Last November, Camfed teamed up with Padare, an organization in Zimbabwe partnering with men to tackle the imbalance in relationships that leads to violence against women. Together, Camfed and Padare are engaging community leaders and young men in workshops about the need to identify and address barriers to women’s equality.

Here, Usher Mande, who coordinates the partnership between Camfed and Padare talks about how the two organizations are creating a safe space where men can discuss gender roles.

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As the leader of a Mother Support Group in Wedza district of Zimbabwe, southeast of Harare, Alice Jaure oversees a group of other mothers in her community in their efforts to alleviate poverty and suffering. Here, her husband Elijah talks about the ways in which her work has challenged his thinking and inspired him to make his own contribution to the community. (more…)

Camfed’s work in Zimbabwe is more vital now than ever before. As the economic situation continues to deteriorate, we are seeing more and more girls and boys dropping out of school. Families are finding it increasingly difficult to support their children’s education as they struggle to put food on the table. (more…)