This document summarizes a study examining AIDS activism by civil society organizations (CSOs) in Zimbabwe. The study found that while CSOs have helped advance treatment access and decision making for people living with HIV/AIDS, capacity gaps remain in areas like governance, research, and inclusion of minority groups. CSO advocacy has achieved policy changes like the 3% AIDS levy, but relationships with the state are sometimes tense due to perceived anti-state activism. The study recommends partnerships between CSOs, international NGOs, and academic institutions to address capacity gaps and mitigate tensions through community empowerment and coalition building.

1. AIDS ACTIVISM IN ZIMBAWBE: A SPOTLIGHT ON CIVIL SOCIETY PRACTICES,
CAPACITY GAPS AND ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION
McGibney N, O’Rourke N, Friel E, Murphy S
Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, Oxfam Ireland
INTRODUCTION
In the recent years, Zimbabwe has made great
strides in the fight against HIV and AIDS with the
role of the civil society organizations (CSO) widely
applauded. However, currently the country has one
of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world
(14.7% amont 15 – 49 yrs old) with marked gender
and minority groups’ differences. Our study’s aim
were 1) to examine CSO practices that have
influenced AIDS related policy 2) to identify CSO
capacity gaps and issues to be considered for
effective future AIDS related advocacy.
METHODS
The report used largely qualitative with quantitative
data used in secondary data analysis. Seven
interviews were conducted via Skype or phone over
a period of three weeks. Sampling was selective as
we interviewed representatives from each of the
sectors of AIDS activism in Zimbabwe which were
identified through a literature review conducted prior
to data collection. We also used snowball sampling.
Data collected was coded according to emerging
themes and patterns which were then compared and
contrasted across different stakeholders.
RESULTS
Community led advocacy has resulted in great
advancements in the agency of PLHIV in Zimbabwe,
their access to treatment, and their presence in the
decision making, whether policy or funding related.
One remarkable example is the introduction of the
3% AIDS levy. Strategies used include creation of
PLHIV support groups, training, ‘public walks’, and
meetings. Our research also found that although in
need of strengthening, positive networks of
communication between the state and CSOs do
exist.
However, our research also revealed that CSOs are
still not as present in policy formation due to
governance weaknesses or lack of research and
analytical skills, and often their activism is perceived
as anti-state political activity leading to tense
relationships with the state. A gender disparity was
also noted with women in the majority of those
receiving treatment, and men occupying the decision
making positions. Certain minority groups—men
having sex with men and sex workers—lack access
to treatment due to stigma and discrimination by the
state but also reluctance from certain CSO
representatives to engage with them.
Participants in an Oxfam HIV/AIDS awareness workshop in Zimbabwe
CONCLUSIONS
We found that energetic CSO AIDS activism exists in
Zimbabwe, but there is scope for improvements in
areas of governance, research, analytical skills, and
gender mainstreaming. While significant strides
have been made for PLHIV as a whole, minority
groups such as men having sex with men , sex
workers must be better included in support of anti-
stigma work.
“….civil society in Zimbabwe is probably the most
enthusiastic in the region.”
“… there is an enthusiasm, there’s an eagerness,
there’s a boldness. I would characterize civil society
… that way, but I do think there is a lot of work to be
done in terms of what kind of advocacy ….and how
well thought out that advocacy is.”
LESSONS ON PARTNERSHIP
Given the capacity gaps identified, there is scope of
partnerships between INGOs, academic institutions
and Zimbabwean CSOs for governance
improvement, skill transfer on research and data
analysis, and sharing of experiences of working with
minority groups. Another lesson is that the potential
tensions between state and CSOs around advocacy
could be mitigated by CSOs empowering
communities to act or joining in coalitions with each
other.
The authors would like to thank TCD, UCD and Oxfam Ireland for their support with this research.
Presented at: IFGH conference 2014