An impact evaluation of government-led social protection for women and children in Chirumanzu-Zivagwe Districts, Zimbabwe

Abstract

An impact evaluation on Government-led social protection for women and children was carried out in Chirumanzu and Zivagwe districts south west of Zimbabwe. The objectives were; to gather statistics of women and children in the districts, to explore diverse social protection programmes for women and children, to explore the challenges faced by women and children in attaining sufficient livelihoods. Finally, to determine social protection programmes for women and children for nutrition and physical wellbeing. A survey method was used to gather data through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and semi-participant observations with the use of interview tool guides. Data was collected from 60 women and 50 children and 10 key informants drawn from representatives of all stakeholders totalling 120 study participants. The study established that various social protection programmes are provided for people in general and yet very little has been done to address the problem of elderly women and
children in particular who appear to experience multifaceted social protection challenges more than their counterparts. This study concluded that there is need for multi-stakeholder approach to address the problems of women and children. The study is calling on Government and international agencies in programming to intervene through reinforcing social protection policies and programmes in order to alleviate absolute poverty amongst women and children in Zimbabwe.

Key terms: Social Protection, Women, Children, Poverty, Chirumanzu, Zivagwe, Zimbabwe