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This study focuses on three main conceptual frameworks used in the study of gender and environment. These are: Ecofeminism; Women, Gender and Environment (WED), and Gender, Environment and Development (GED). The primary concern for all these conceptual frameworks is on women and environment. Ecofeminism and WED focuses on gender analysis grounded in the social context of gender relations for environmental research and policy-making. GED provides a framework to understand processes of the (re)definition of men and women as categories, as well as the (re)organization of social relations, where power is both contested and reproduced.

This study was aimed at assessing the gender roles and utilization of indigenous knowledge in the management of forest biodiversity in Zimbabwe. The study also sought to find out the known indigenous knowledge systems utilized by men and women in the management of the forest biodiversity, the roles played by both men and women in the management of the forest biodiversity and the challenges faced by men and women in the management of the forest biodiversity. Qualitative methodology was utilized while a case study research design of Madondo communal lands was utilized. Data was collected using key informant interviews and semi-structured interviews. The study findings indicate that the potential of utilizing indigenous knowledge for conservation of the forest biodiversity is enormous but the sustainability of this knowledge is seriously threatened. The study concludes that both men and women play a central role in the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources and that there is need to integrate the gender roles into strategies for sustainable biodiversity management.

This study provides a theoretical perspective on the participation of women in electoral and governance processes. The first part of the article focuses on the various definitions of participation as given by different scholars. The second part focuses on the reasons for women's participation. There are a number of reasons that have been given to justify the inclusion of women in governance and electoral processes. These range from instrumentalist to intrinsic arguments. Women constitute more than 52% of the world's population, and therefore, their participation in electoral and governance processes should also reflect this percentage.

This study focuses on the various theoretical perspectives that have been developed by various scholars to understand gender-based violence (GBV). These theories are very important as they influence on the interventions that can be taken to reduce GBV. The following nine theoretical perspectives will be discussed in this article: psychological, sociological, feminism, exchange, resources, stress, economic exclusion, intersectional, and ecological. This study will look at the strength and weaknesses of all the theoretical perspectives.

The purpose of this study is to provide interventions to end gender-based violence (GBV). Most of the GBV interventions that have been used are mainly reactive and focused on survivors of GBV. It therefore argues that there is a need to also focus on masculinity-focused interventions as an alternative to the traditional GBV interventions in order to reduce GBV cases. The study firstly provides definitions of GBV and masculinity. Secondly, it provides a critique of the various types of masculinity. Thirdly, it focuses on traditional GBV interventions, and masculinity-focused interventions.

This study sought to understand the challenges in the provision of affordable and decent housing for low income earners in the capital city of Zimbabwe, Harare. Various challenges relating to housing provision were identified by the research participants. These related to regulatory barriers, lack of political will and commitment, financial challenges, lack of inter-agency coordination. The study concludes that provision of low-income housing remains a big challenge in Harare, which calls for a multi-sectoral approach to address. The study relied on qualitative methodology. Research participants were drawn from Harare City Council, the private sector non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government officials, and residents.

This study focused on intimate partner violence (IPV) in relationships in the Bindura urban of Zimbabwe. IPV exert a long-term influence in relationships. One of the most dangerous forms of violence is performed by an intimate partner. People in relationships experience all forms of IPV such as physical, emotional, economic, and sexual. Violence is often perpetrated against an intimate partner as a way of showing systematic patterns of dominance and control. Qualitative methodology was used in this study. Data was collected through key informant interviews, focus group discussions and documentary sources. The research concludes that intimate partner violence impacts survivors' immediate sexual, physical and psychological health and increases the risks of longer-term health problems and social stigma.

The Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda is a key part of the international, continental and regional programme for attaining sustainable and durable peace. Conflict and post-conflict situations have a different impact on women, men, boys and girls. During conflicts, women and children are more vulnerable to sexual violence and exploitation, displacement, a change to household relations and poverty. There have been concerted efforts to identify and address the impact of conflict on women and children and to provide for more responsive, representative and inclusive peace and security structures and processes. SADC countries have made great strides in enacting gender sensitive legislations, representation of women in cabinet, parliament, local government, and security sector institutions. Women have not adequately been represented in mediation and peace-building efforts and most peace agreements lack gender sensitivity. Peace agreements do not include reference to specific needs or interests of women.

This article describes how traditional leaders play important developmental, administrative and political roles in rural areas, despite modern state structures. They regulate rural life, control access to land, and settle various disputes. They are respected leaders in their communities. The existence of traditional leaders means that both the decentralisation and the strengthening of local governance are not taking place in a vacuum. Documentary sources such as the Constitution of Zimbabwe; the Traditional Leaders Act (2000) and Chiefs and Headmen Act (1982); newspapers and unpublished non-governmental organisations (NGOs) evaluations and reports were used in this article. Traditional leaders have played a pivotal role in ensuring that the ZANU-PF government remains in power since 1980. In principle, traditional leaders should not be drawn into party politics and their role should remain one of the neutral leadership. If the traditional leader assumes a party-political role, one should appoint a substitute to handle their traditional role to avoid a conflict of interest.

Active political engagement requires the youth of today to begin their journeys now to be leaders of tomorrow. Young individuals are instrumental in providing valuable insight into issues locally as well as on a national and international level. Participation of Young People in Governance Processes in Africa examines the role of young peoples'involvement in governance processes in Africa and demonstrates how they are engaging in active citizenship. There is an intrinsic value in upholding their right to participate in decisions that affect their daily lives and their communities, and the content within this publication supports this by focusing on topics such as good citizenship, youth empowerment, democratic awareness, political climate, and socio-economic development. It is designed for researchers, academics, policymakers, government officials, and professionals whose interests center on the engagement of youth in active citizenship roles.

This study sought to understand the multilateral responses to cyber crimes in the SADC region with specific reference to Zimbabwe and South Africa. The research examined the concept of cybercrimes, its causes, motivations, and implications. The research further examined mechanisms and legislative frameworks available to curb cybercrimes. The qualitative research methodologies were used for the study. Data was purposively collected from information technology experts, academia, the security sector, lawyers, law enforcement agencies, journalists, and diplomats. The key findings of the research revealed that the understanding of cybercrimes is not consistent as the term has no specific referent in law. The study deduced that although cyber espionage, extortion, fame and entertainment are some of the motivations behind cybercrimes in the SADC region are attributed to high unemployment rates, especially among educated ICT graduates and poverty in general. The study also established that SADC countries lack a comprehensive legal framework to combat cyber crimes.

This study focuses on media images of islamophobia as portrayed by Cable News Network (CNN) and its implications for international relations. The study employed qualitative methodology. Data was collected using key informant interviews, while documentary search was done using CNN current affairs videos. The study findings indicated that the media has the power to influence human perceptions towards stereotyping Islam as a terrorist organisation and conflating the Islamic religion and the Muslim culture with terrorism. The study also found out that islamophobia really has a relationship with how Muslims are represented in the media. The study recommends that media houses should have media ethics, laws and policies which force journalists to be more accountable and objective when reporting issues of religion, race and culture as a way of eliminating offensive communication and religious intolerance.

This research sought to explore the implications of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) to trade on the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Free Trade Area (FTA). If the COMESA free trade area is appropriately dealt with, COMESA members and trade stakeholders will get information that is important in their attempt to attain the goal of eliminating trade impediments within the region. This will promote regional economic integration and enhance growth through increased investment levels; scaled up exchange of goods and services; and enhanced socio-economic cooperation. Such cooperation will directly contribute to the improved political and trade relations. The research adopted a case study design in which various cases were examined to understand issues surrounding the implications of NTBs on COMESA free trade area. A qualitative research methodology was also utilised while data was collected through key informant interviews and document analysis. The research concluded that NTBs in COMESA FTA are used on health issues as well as to protect the infant industries in the region. The research therefore recommended that COMESA members find a working definition of what constitute an infant industry for the purpose of applying for derogation; and also that they make use of bilateral trade agreements to eliminate existing NTBs where States clearly indicated their objectives of removing all NTBs that inhibit trade between them.

The objectives of this article was to understand the causes, effects and measures to reduce child marriages in rural Zimbabwe. Child marriages have serious social, economic, health and political implications on young girls and their communities. Young girls are also robbed of their locally and internationally recognised rights. Ending child marriages demands a multi-sectoral approach where all actors, such as parents, national governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), local culture, and religion are involved. This article relies on qualitative methodology to gather data. Purposive sampling and snow ball sampling methods were used to identify key informants and women who were victims of child marriages. Stakeholders involved in children's rights should provide reproductive health and education services to local communities in order to end child marriages.