https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/925 2026-04-05T04:40:32Z 2026-04-05T04:40:32Z Hofisi Tigashire Megan Hungwe Chipo https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6538 2025-04-28T08:55:31Z 2025-01-19T00:00:00Z

Title: “One thing led to another” - teenage pregnancy during COVID-19: a Zimbabwean case study Authors: Hofisi Tigashire Megan; Hungwe Chipo Abstract: Teen pregnancy is common in Zimbabwe and is associated with health and socio-economic challenges. Drawing ideas from social disorganiza tion and intersectionality theories, this study explores the perceived causes and consequences of teenage pregnancy in Kadoma, Zimbabwe, during COVID-19. Data were gathered from 10 purposively selected preg nant teenagers and teen mothers aged between 15 and 19. These young women were interviewed through semi-structured interviews and data were analysed using thematic analysis. Seven parents/guardians and 10 key informants were also interviewed. The causes of teen pregnancy have largely remained the same over time (poverty, lack of individual agency due to cultural and religious pressure and the influence of the media), although the COVID-19 pandemic heightened some of them and added one more – extended school closures. The consequences were identified as stigmatization, lack of support and school drop-outs. A holistic approach is needed to curb teenage pregnancy.

2025-01-19T00:00:00Z Hofisi Tigashire Megan Hungwe Chipo Chipo Hungwe Zvenyika Eckson Mugari https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6205 2024-06-12T08:09:52Z 2024-05-07T00:00:00Z

Title: “Let Them Stay There”: COVID-19 and Zimbabwe’s Indignation Against Return Migrants and Travelers Authors: Chipo Hungwe; Zvenyika Eckson Mugari Abstract: This paper explains the indignation against and stigmatization of return migrants and travelers when Zimbabwe first recorded cases of COVID-19 in 2020. While xenophobic hatred toward foreign migrants enjoyed much media and scholarly attention, the similar risk faced by the return migrants and travelers among “their own” during the pandemic was largely left on the back burner. The paper uses secondary analysis of information from social media, government reports, media briefings, and public utterances of government officials to provide an explanation for the negative attitudes of locals against migrants at the height of COVID-19. The findings revealed that in times of change and dealing with uncertainty, there is a tendency to redraw boundary lines between in-groups and out-groups with negative consequences for those labeled as the out-group. For some time, the returnees were stigmatized as harbingers of the COVID-19 virus and viewed as troublesome and acting in an unreasonable manner, thus courting the indignation of local Zimbabweans. This paper lends support to the view that pandemics create fear, which results in the rejection and exclusion of ordinary members of the in-group. Perceived resource competition, resource scarcity, anxiety, and fear heightened the stigmatization of return migrants and travelers. To build back better from the negative effects of the pandemic, there is a need to review COVID-19 preventive measures, avoid reckless public pronouncements that stigmatize and stoke hatred for return migrants, and invest in the healthcare system.

2024-05-07T00:00:00Z Chipo Hungwe Zvenyika Eckson Mugari Chipo Hungwe Patience Chadambuka Noel Garikai Muridzo Mpikelelo Mpawusi Maseko Zvenyika Eckson Mugari Nyevero Maruzani Decent Gaura Kenneth Chinovumburuka Maregere https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6187 2024-06-12T07:39:45Z 2024-02-14T00:00:00Z

Title: Effects of COVID-19 on the Livelihoods of Women with Disabilities in Zimbabwe: A Study of Three Low-Income Areas in Harare Metropolitan Province Authors: Chipo Hungwe; Patience Chadambuka; Noel Garikai Muridzo; Mpikelelo Mpawusi Maseko; Zvenyika Eckson Mugari; Nyevero Maruzani; Decent Gaura; Kenneth Chinovumburuka Maregere Abstract: This study documents how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the livelihoods of women with disabilities in three low-income urban areas of Zimbabwe’s Harare Metropolitan Province. A mixed-method approach was used to gather data through structured interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions with 104 women with disabilities and service providers working with women with disabilities in Caledonia, Hatcliffe, and Epworth. The study utilises the sustainable livelihood approach to analyse the dynamics ensuing during the pandemic and how they impinged on women with disabilities’ livelihoods. Findings reveal that the pandemic, particularly the lockdowns, greatly and negatively impacted the livelihoods of women with disabilities, who mainly depend on the informal sector through vending, begging, and handouts. The study recommends the provision of targeted sustainable social safety nets for women with disabilities in times of shocks and stresses such as pandemics to cushion them from the devastating effects brought about by such eventualities.

2024-02-14T00:00:00Z Chipo Hungwe Patience Chadambuka Noel Garikai Muridzo Mpikelelo Mpawusi Maseko Zvenyika Eckson Mugari Nyevero Maruzani Decent Gaura Kenneth Chinovumburuka Maregere Michael White Chipo Hungwe https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6186 2024-06-12T07:39:02Z 2024-03-06T00:00:00Z

Title: “It’s a lot of things”: Zimbabwean university students’ perceptions on the causes of suicide ideation and suicidality among youths during the COVID-19 pandemic Authors: Michael White; Chipo Hungwe Abstract: This research studies university undergraduate students’ perceptions of the causes of suicide and suicidality among the youths in Zimbabwe with reference to the case of Midlands State University. The research also examined the contribution of COVID-19 to suicide and suicidality and the role of the family and church in suicide and suicidality causation or prevention. A qualitative methodology was used to collect data through semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews and a focus group discussion using a sample of 31 participants. Thomas Joiner’s Interpersonal theory of suicide is utilised and adapted to explain suicide ideation among Zimbabwean youths. Abusive, fractured family and romantic relationships, economic frustrations, stigmatisation, loneliness, drug abuse and the pressure to conform were some of the causes of suicide ideation. The research recommends increased regular mental health and suicide prevention awareness campaigns to inform the students on the available services. Supportive, stable and positive relationships and interactions within families and churches are necessary to build resilience against suicide ideation and suicidality.

2024-03-06T00:00:00Z Michael White Chipo Hungwe