Background: This study examined the association between gender-based violence and unintended pregnancy in Zimbabwe. Various studies have identified factors associated with unintended pregnancy but the role of gender-based violence in unintended pregnancy has not been fully investigated. Gender-based violence is identified as a global public health concern and has reproductive health consequences. METHODS: This study used the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) of 2005/ 2006 to explore the relationship between gender-based violence and unintended pregnancy. A total of 1 516 women were included in ZDHS. For the purpose of this study only women aged 15-49 who participated in the Domestic Violence Module and who reported to have given birth in the five years before the survey were selected. The outcome variable was pregnancy intent. The predictor variables were physical, emotional and sexual violence. These were recoded into binary variables. The responses for these were “yes” for women who reported that they had experienced a form of violence and “no” for those who had not. Data analysis consisted of three stages; univariate frequency distributions and, bivariate and multivariate analysis using logistic regression. RESULTS: The study found that the experience of gender-based violence was prevalent in Zimbabwe. As 33.25% of women reported having experienced some form of physical violence and 33.71% suffered a form of emotional abuse. In the case of sexual violence, about 15.37% of women reported an experience thereof. Unintended pregnancies were reported by 30.67% respondents. An association between gender-based violence and unintended pregnancy was found to exist. This is evident in both the bivariate and multivariate analyses. Women who have experience gender-based violence are 1.53 times more likely to report unintended pregnancy.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management Science: Public Management (Peace-building), Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / The purpose of the study was to assess or investigate the forms, causes and effects of violence towards lone women from Pumula Township, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. In finding these it seeks to prevent violence towards these lone women. It is noted that structural male dominant culture and inequality are the major causes of violence towards lone women in Pumula; this is also similar in Sub-Saharan Africa. Many studies on lone women have been done worldwide and to the best of my knowledge, none that seeks for substantive solutions has been done in Bulawayo. This study was exploratory and qualitative in nature. This was done through a forum, focus group interviews and personal interviews. The data in the forum was collected by an advisory team and the researcher was the facilitator in all interviews. The major method of data collection was the focus group interviews. Also for triangulation purposes, and to complement the focus group interviews, individual interviews were done. Stakeholders’ workshops and lone women workshops were conducted to propose the means that could be used to reduce violence against lone women. Ethical standards were observed during the study. The findings of the study indicate that violence towards lone women is caused by a patriarchal culture and the social norms that make lone women to be stigmatised, ostracised and discriminated against because of their status. The confiscation of their property after the death of their spouses, or divorce, the struggle to shelter and care for their children often causes lone women ill-health and low self-esteem. They also find it difficult to find time for self as they are the breadwinners. It was proposed that the community and the lone women work together to curb violence against lone women and to combat all the injustices that are happening within society. Women empowerment and development can eradicate violence against the lone women. / M