The role played by taboos in exposing women to maternal mortality in Binga, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Taboos are prohibited behaviours that have supernatural explanations, they affect women during pregnancy, childbirth and during the lactation period, resulting in high maternal mortality rates. The objectives of this study were to explore cultural taboos that expose women to maternal mortality and to examine the role of taboos in maternal health care. The study employed a qualitative research approach, making use of focus group discussions, and key informant interviews as data collection methods. Twelve (12) focus group discussions consisting of 6-12 people were conveniently sampled from villages in ward 1 Binga. The study found out that food taboos like prohibited starchy foods, protein meats exposed pregnant women to malnutrition and health complications. Cultural taboos delayed pregnant women from accessing maternal health care. Cultural taboos like bidding farewell to pregnant women and being escorted by pregnant women when leaving their homestead, limited pregnant women’s chances of getting transport assistance from neighbours and friends. On the other hand the study found out that taboos had cultural significance in Binga hence why women adhered to them. It can thus be concluded that taboos should be well known beyond the current body of knowledge if maternal mortality rates are to decline in Zimbabwe. They should be critically analysed and unpacked to decipher the content of the knowledge within them from an Afro centric perspective and a conventional point of view. Finally, the study recommends the need for appropriate strategies to disseminate information of taboos that contribute to maternal mortality and reinforcing taboos that preserve our cultural heritage.

How to cite this article using ASWNet style

Zinyemba, L. (2023). The role played by taboos in exposing women to maternal mortality in Binga, Zimbabwe. People centred – The Journal of Development Administration (JDA), 8(4), 113-120. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jda.v8i4.3

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