Dzimbahwe Special Issue: Book of Abstracts

GREAT ZIMBABWE UNIVERSITY / UNESCO CONFERENCE ON INTERVENTIONS TO PREVENT AND TACKLE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE, DRUG ABUSE, STIS AND UNINTENDED PREGNANCIES IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN MASVINGO PROVINCE

Abstract

Preface

This book contains abstracts of all papers presented at the GZU / UNESCO conference on ‘Interventions to Prevent and Tackle Gender-Based Violence, Drug Abuse, STIS and Unintended Pregnancies in Tertiary Institutions in Masvingo Province’ on the 29th of August 2024. The conference took place at the Robert Mugabe School of Heritage and Education at Great Zimbabwe University. A total of 50 papers were presented by contributors from 16 institutions that included: Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo Polytechnic, Midlands State University, University of Johannesburg, Zimbabwe Gender Commission, Africa University, University of Eswatini, Bondolfi Teachers College, University of Namibia, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Women University in Africa, University of Zimbabwe, Mpilo Center of Excellence, Zimbabwe Open University, Lupane State University, Zhejiang Gongshang University and others. The audience consisted of students, lecturers and non-academic staff from diverse institutions.

The conference presentations took place in 4 breakout groups – each breakout group had a total of 14 presenters. A panel discussion on ‘Gender-based violence (GBV) and drug and substance abuse in tertiary institutions’ was organized towards the end of the conference. Panel members included: Mr Redemption Chivorese – Saywhat? Prof H. Zirima – GZU Deputy Dean Simon Mazorodze School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mr O. Simbo - GZU Dean of Students, Dr E. Zvobgo – GZU Director Nehanda Gender Center. The panel presentations raised educative discussions by listeners.

Select papers will be edited, peer reviewed and published under Dzimbahwe Journal as a book.

We would like to thank the two originators of the conference idea and call for papers Prof V. Z. Nyawo, Director Postgraduate and Publications as well as Dr Munatsi Shoko, UNESCO Representative Masvingo Province. Dr Munatsi availed a special funding opportunity for the conference to happen just before he moved from UNESCO. Special mention goes to all participants, UNESCO team, members of the conference organizing committee and the kitchen staff. The Great Zimbabwe University Management, especially the Executive is appreciated for supporting the conference effort.

From the Conference Organizing Committee

Prof V. Z. Nyawo

Dr T. Maravanyika

Dr C. P. Mudzengi