AIDS ACTIVISM IN ZIMBAWBE: A SPOTLIGHT ON CIVIL SOCIETY PRACTICES, CAPACITY GAPS AND ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION

McGibney N, O’Rourke N, Friel E, Murphy STrinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, Oxfam Ireland

INTRODUCTION

In the recent years, Zimbabwe has made great strides in the fight against HIV and AIDS with the role of the civil society organizations (CSO) widely applauded. However, currently the country has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world (14.7% amont 15 – 49 yrs old) with marked gender and minority groups’ differences. Our study’s aim were 1) to examine CSO practices that have influenced AIDS related policy 2) to identify CSO capacity gaps and issues to be considered for effective future AIDS related advocacy.

METHODS

The report used largely qualitative with quantitative data used in secondary data analysis. Seven interviews were conducted via Skype or phone over a period of three weeks. Sampling was selective as we interviewed representatives from each of the sectors of AIDS activism in Zimbabwe which were identified through a literature review conducted prior to data collection. We also used snowball sampling. Data collected was coded according to emerging themes and patterns which were then compared and contrasted across different stakeholders.

RESULTS

Community led advocacy has resulted in great advancements in the agency of PLHIV in Zimbabwe, their access to treatment, and their presence in the decision making, whether policy or funding related. One remarkable example is the introduction of the 3% AIDS levy. Strategies used include creation of PLHIV support groups, training, ‘public walks’, and meetings. Our research also found that although in need of strengthening, positive networks of communication between the state and CSOs do exist.

However, our research also revealed that CSOs are still not as present in policy formation due to governance weaknesses or lack of research and analytical skills, and often their activism is perceived as anti-state political activity leading to tense relationships with the state. A gender disparity was also noted with women in the majority of those receiving treatment, and men occupying the decision making positions. Certain minority groups—men having sex with men and sex workers—lack access to treatment due to stigma and discrimination by the state but also reluctance from certain CSO representatives to engage with them.

Participants in an Oxfam HIV/AIDS awareness workshop in Zimbabwe

CONCLUSIONS

We found that energetic CSO AIDS activism exists in Zimbabwe, but there is scope for improvements in areas of governance, research, analytical skills, and gender mainstreaming. While significant strides have been made for PLHIV as a whole, minority groups such as men having sex with men , sex workers must be better included in support of anti-stigma work.

“….civil society in Zimbabwe is probably the most enthusiastic in the region.”

“… there is an enthusiasm, there’s an eagerness, there’s a boldness. I would characterize civil society … that way, but I do think there is a lot of work to be done in terms of what kind of advocacy ….and how well thought out that advocacy is.”

LESSONS ON PARTNERSHIP

Given the capacity gaps identified, there is scope of partnerships between INGOs, academic institutions and Zimbabwean CSOs for governance improvement, skill transfer on research and data analysis, and sharing of experiences of working with minority groups. Another lesson is that the potential tensions between state and CSOs around advocacy could be mitigated by CSOs empowering communities to act or joining in coalitions with each other.

The authors would like to thank TCD, UCD and Oxfam Ireland for their support with this research .

Presented at: IFGH conference 2014