Efficacy of endogenous parenting practices in contemporary Zimbabwe: Lessons from Gokwe North District

Abstract

This study sought to explore the contribution of the Shona indigenous knowledge systems to contemporary child protection in Zimbabwe. The study interest cropped up after realizing that children in need of care and protection were on increase reflecting gaps within the current “western” adopted system, hence, learning from indigenous knowledge, which to date is largely undocumented, could assist in improving the welfare of children. The study objectives were: to examine ways in which traditional Zimbabwean people prevented child abuse, responded to child abuse, review the possibility of indigenous knowledge systems in strengthening contemporary child protection systems, and look at harmful traditional practices which need to be avoided. The study was informed by the Afrocentric perspective and adopted a qualitative approach with an exploratory case study design. The study was conducted in Gokwe North, a rural district in the Midlands province of Zimbabwe.  Twenty-four participants were purposively sampled and engaged, and these included three chiefs, one District Development Coordinator, one community cadre, one child protection social worker, three village heads, and three elderly people. Data was gathered through interviews and a focus group discussion. Data collected were analysed using thematic content analysis. The study found that from time immemorial there have always been culturally appropriate strategies for preventing child abuse. Child protection strategies that were used include sexual and relationship education, virginity tests, a central locking system, curfew times, myths, and collective responsibility. If child abuse happened, physical punishment and traditional courts were the major responsive mechanisms. Some of these traditional practices have great potential in strengthening the contemporary child protection system by focusing on rebuilding and strengthening extended family ties, community-based structures for the protection of orphan and vulnerable children (OVC) and tapping into traditional wisdom. The study recommends the reconstruction of extended family unity and capacitating community-based structures for supporting OVC and integration of traditional wisdom in educating children.