Harmful cultural practices suppress rural women's autonomy, says UFS sociology PhD Mavis Soko

Mavis Soko, who graduated as a doctor of sociology from the University of the Free State this month, hopes her research on the lack of sexual autonomy for Zimbabwean women can be a foundation for advocacy, education and transformative change.

“I hope my research will spark meaningful dialogue and policy shifts that promote the recognition and protection of women's sexual autonomy, especially in rural and culturally marginalised communities,” she told TimesLIVE.

“Socially I want it to empower women to understand and claim their sexual autonomy without fear or shame.

“Culturally I hope it will challenge harmful traditional practices and encourage communities to reflect on how these norms affect women's wellbeing.

“Academically I aim to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on intersectionality, gender and sexuality in African contexts, highlighting the importance of considering ethnic and cultural dynamics in public health and social policy.”

The findings of her PhD thesis, titled “Ethnic and Gendered Implications of Sexuality and Sexual Rights: Prospects for an Ethnic-Specific Intervention among Karanga and Zezuru Women in Zimbabwe”, show that deeply entrenched patriarchal norms continue to undermine women’s control over their sexual autonomy in rural Zimbabwe.

Harmful traditional and cultural practices remain prevalent and are used to regulate and suppress women's autonomy, she said. These include practices such as:

• kugeza chibereko (womb cleansing);
• kusunga bonde (ritualistic partner binding for sexual loyalty);
• runyoka (supernatural chastity enforcement or sexual ring-fencing);
• mubobobo (supernatural remote sexual activity or “sexual blue-toothing”); and
• kusimbisa musana (back strengthening rituals, often linked to sexual performance expectations).

These practices reflect the intersection of culture, gender and sexuality, and reveal how cultural beliefs continue to restrict women's ability to make autonomous decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, she said.

This research was strongly influenced by the study she conducted during her MSc in Population Studies at the University of Zimbabwe, titled “The Determinants of HIV and Aids among Farm Workers in Goromonzi District”.

Through this research, she became aware of a significant gap in the discourse surrounding women’s sexual autonomy, particularly within marginalised rural populations.

“Despite international and national efforts to promote gender equality, a critical gap in understanding how ethnicity and gender intersect to shape women’s sexual autonomy in rural settings remained,” she said.

Soko is especially passionate about supporting the girl child and advocating for the upliftment of the disadvantaged.

“Whether through mentorship, community engagement or academic work, I am driven by a deep desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”     

TimesLIVE