MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL POLICY

AND LEADERSHIP STUDIES

THE CHALLENGES FACED BY APOSTILIC WOMEN SECT IN POLYGOMOUS

MARRIAGES, A CASE IN LUVEVE SUBURB, BULAWAYO

XOLISANI MUDZINGWA
R213188C

A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DIPLOMA IN ADULT EDUCATION

Gweru, Zimbabwe
YEAR 2022
APPROVAL FORM
The undersigned certify that they have read and recommended to Midlands State University for

acceptance of the dissertation entitled:

CHALLENGES FACED BY APOSTOLIC SECT WOMEN IN POLYGAMOUS

MARRIAGES. A CASE IN LUVEVE SUBURB IN BULAWAYO.

Mr J Katsande

........................................... ............................
SUPERVISOR DATE
DEDICATION
I dedicate to my family, friends, supervisor with their support to come up with this research up to

an end and above all the Lord almighty for this success from January 2021 to December 2022.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my esteemed supervisor Mr J Katsande for his

wisdom in research. I need to appreciate and salute his patience and sacrifice. I would like to

extent my heartfelt acknowledgement to Dr M Nenduva who was my lecturer on research for his

guidance. Moreso, I like to thank my family for their support and encouragement throughout the

course as they were always by my side. I would like to acknowledge my friends Emma

Makhanda, Emillia Dube, Fadzai Kambere.

ABSTRACT
The research mainly focused on investigating on challenges faced by apostolic women in
polygamous marriages. A case in Luveve Bulawayo. This paper employs the qualitative
research method. Data was collected using interviews. The study found out that, the church
doctrine is the main cause of polygamous marriages in that they follow the steps of their late
elders who implement the teachings. The study found out that, the doctrine undermines the rights
of women in the church and in their homestead and young girls by marring them off all ready
married men. The study established that church elders corrupt young women. Several
recommendations to end polygamous marriages and educate women and girls were proffered by
the researcher.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION
APPROVAL FORM
DEDICATION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ABSTRACT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND IT’S SETTING

1.0 Introduction

The Research sought to look at challenges faced by Apostolic sect women in polygamous
marriages. The study will discuss the background that has shown the challenges faced by
Apostolic sect women in polygamous marriages, globally, internationally and zero down into the
apostolic sect women in Luveve, Bulawayo. The research will have objectives, research
questions, problem statement, and justification of the study. For effective data presentation the
research is qualitative. At the time of the research clear solutions and the recommendations will
be put forward in coming up with the ways to reduce the challenges faced by apostolic sect
women in polygamous marriages.

1.1 Background of the study

Globally challenges faced by women are almost the same, some writers have attributed the
origins of these problems to the story of creation in Bible, the book of Genesis, that man was
created first, and the woman last hence for that reason the woman should be second class citizen.
It is further argued that the same book instructs that women should be subservient, listen without
question. This line of thinking has made women to be treated as second citizens’ world over. In
large numbers worldwide they referred to as weaker sex, different organizations have been
formed to try and address this imbalance, with the little success, the Beijing conference comes
into mind. According to the Human Development Report, published by the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) IN 2021, states that violence and socio-cultural norms
unfavorable to women and girls suffocate efforts to improve the living conditions and status of
women. Politico Magazine dated March 8, 2019, states one of the biggest challenges faced by
women is educational inequality. Despite the many gains of modern feminist movements in
Americas, Africa, Asia, and beyond, many still believe that women are less worthy of the same
educational opportunities afforded to men. In Zimbabwe, women face challenges such as sexual
abuse, and socio-economic violence which devastating consequences such as health
complications, sexually transmitted diseases and death. (Zimbabwe Human Rights Forum,
Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association (ZWLA)
1.2 Objectives

The main objectives of the study are:

 Investigate challenges faced by apostolic sect women in polygamous marriages.

 Explore why apostolic sect women engage in polygamous marriages.
 Establish linkages between religious beliefs and polygamous marriages.

1.3 Research Questions

1. Is there any relationship between one’s education and the standard of living?
2. What justification is there to use the Bible as the basis of polygamous marriages?
3. What are the challenges faced by women in polygamous marriages in general and
apostolic sect women in particular?

1.4 Significance of the study

The research will look at challenges faced by women in polygamous marriages in Luveve
suburbs. The researcher believes that once the women of Luveve suburbs are enlightened, their
problems can be solved and this will help minimize the problems that are mainly encountered by
the women in the sector. The community will also benefit as the knowledge will be spread whilst
the researcher will gain more knowledge. The government will benefit as the constitution is
saying everyone has the right to education. This will also strengthen the women in decision
making before they are married in polygamous men.

1.5 Delimitations

The research is going to be carried at Luveve suburbs in Matebeleland province. The population
studied will be mainly women in the apostolic sect. Twenty families will be selected with
different family sizes. The different family sizes will spell out whether religious and poverty play
any role in which they end up in such marriages union.
1.6 Limitations

Due financial constraints will hinder the research to cover a wide area. Hence the research will
make use of the limited resources. More so some members of apostolic may not be willing to
respond to questions because of fear of other church members and leaders.

1.7 Definition of key terms

Terms used in this study should be understood within the context below;

Polygamy

State of marriage to many spouses, it is the practice of marring multiple spouses. When a man is
married to more than one wife at the same time. In this study the research will work towards
identifying why women marry in polygamy?

Religion

For the purpose of this study, religion can be defined as a cultural system of commonly shared
beliefs and rituals that provide a sense of ultimate meaning and purpose by creating an idea of
reality that is sacred and supernatural (Aiyana K. Willard 2017) in the research, the researcher
will therefore wait to identify and understand the depth of how religious practices among the
apostolic sect women in Bulawayo have had an impact in marrying in polygamy as noted by
Harrison that religious beliefs give people a sense of reality in which they believe that is scared
to them yet this might have an negative impact on their livelihood.

1.8 Chapter summary

This chapter outlined the introduction, background of the study, significance of the study,
objectives, research question. Delimitations and limitations. The next chapter will look at
Review of related literature.
 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

Literature review is an overview of the previously published works on a specific topic (Simpson
1984) states that literature review involves the connotation of conceptualizing, justifying,
implementing and interpreting research investigations. The main agenda of literature review is to
determine what has been done already related to research problem under study. This is to avoid
unrequired and an inadvertent duplication and forms the framework within which the findings
would be interpreted and demonstrate the research’s familiarity with the existing body of
knowledge. The body of knowledge involves various theories that explain some phenomenon in
a systemic manner. Thus, the literature will be based on theory, body of knowledge and the
various researches.

2.1 Causes of polygamous marriages

In Africa a man’s wealth was measured by the number of his wives as well as the number of his
children and livestock. Majority of females allowed their husbands for co-wives due to infertility
or having only female children, poverty in terms of hunger. If a woman does no conceive, her in-
laws would force her husband to marry another wife who would give them a ‘heir’. Female
children were not worthy to be called ‘heir’ hence if a woman has female children he would be
forced to marry again while on the other hand due to poverty in terms of hunger a young girl was
given to elderly wealthy man as a wife in exchange of food.

2.1.1 Religion

Religion is unified system of beliefs and practices related to sacred things, that is to say, things st
apart and forbidden - beliefs and practices which unite into one single moral community called
church, all those who adhere to them (b) Religion is the self-validation of a society by means of
myth and ritual (Emile Durkein, The Elementary Forms of Religious Life)
According to research, Religious practices plays a bigger role in promoting polygamous
marriages. In most cases arranged in church without the girls knowledge as it is believed that the
Holy Spirit would have commanded and appointed that girl to that marriage.

2.1.2 Lack of Education.

Lack of education is also a driving factor to polygamy. Young girls of apostolic sect are not
educated. According to Plan International Policy Brief 2016 access to education has declined due
to economic factors and the imposition of school fees, net enrolment ratio has declined from 98.5
per cent in 2002 to 91% in 2009 while about 30% of children are unable to complete primary
education and many more 300 000 secondary school age children are out of school per annum.
Education is a vital factor in breaking the cycle of poverty, sexual discrimination and oppression
by men. Therefore these apostolic women follow their religious practices due to lack of
education and they do not have another chance of pursuing their life in working for their own
life, feeding themselves and also looking after their families. Lack of education in both parents
who follow the church doctrines they do not know horrific consequences of polygamous
marriages, they do not know that it affects women on health conditions too.

Lack of education is the root of all the religious practices as a result to the violation of girls child
right to education by the apostolic sect who prohibit girls from going to school for some reasons
to best interests of the church leaders and elders that view education as something that is not
imperative especially for the girl when the central point is being a spouse and mother in the
future, not focusing on attaining more knowledge. Therefore this depicts the religious effect of
the apostolic sect towards girl’s education. This therefore undermine the girl child’s capacity to
see the fortunes of the world but rather depend on being married at younger age because she
would have been blinded by lack of education.

2.1.3 Poverty

The researcher observed that more than 25% of population in luveve suburb are poor judging
from the way of living, activities assets at their houses and also most of the population stricken
by poverty are women. Women are considered as an economic burden, where families are often
eased when finding a spouse for them (UNFPA, 2006) this tends to take place when the child is
still very young. This is because that where poverty is acute families and the women believe that
marriage is the solution to their problems.

As the apostolic church is linked to polygamy, a family have a large number of children in which
due to financial constraints, there are not able to send their children to school. Poverty
contributes a lot beside education, they are not able to provide enough food and clothes for the
family. Surprisingly, the Holy Spirit demands the church to have multiple wives and many
children but it does not provide anything for their welfare, children are suffering of malnutrition
diseases due to hunger. If women were educated they would already implemented measures
towards their situation. Therefore education is a tool against poverty. Ophrah Winfrey quotes that
“Education is the key to unlock the world, a passport to freedom”

2.1.4 Ignorance
Wikipedia describes ignorance as a lack of knowledge and information. It can have a negative
effect on individual and societies. The research has found that due to ignorance the apostolic
women do not have knowledge and they do not understand the importance of education. Some
apostolic women feel very comfortable about their lifestyles they have accepted that their lives
have to be the way it is. Despite facing crucial challenges, they have learnt to live positive as
they assume they cannot change their fate. The research have found that the church doctrines
have highly influence on them.

2.2 The impact of polygamous marriages on apostolic women

The Apostolic church practices are combine with a lot of consequences that affect women. The
research has found out that negative consequences of polygamy are jealousy, lack of trust,
unhappiness, loneliness, unequal financial division, and social privileges among the multiple
wives. Sharped L D in his article States that there is a higher prevalence of somatization,
depression, anxiety, hostility, psychoticism and psychiatric disorder in polygamous wives as well
as reduced life and marital satisfaction, problematic family functioning and low self-esteem.
Children from polygamous marriages experienced physical and emotional abuse since they
witnessed their mother’s severe pain of second marriage ascribe the mother’s pain in it. These
abuses may be associated with more mental health problems, and lower academic achievement in
children from polygamous marriages compared to monogamous marriages.(Bhahari I S,
Norhayati M N, 2021)

According to Machingura 2017, HIV and AIDS is killing people and it has not spared Apostolic
sect with their negative attitude towards polygamy as already noted, the Apostolic sects highest
rate of polygamy, poverty and marginalization make women the hardest hit group from HIV and
AIDS. Around 3 billion people around the world struggle with basic level reading and writing
(World Literacy Foundation WLF 2018). This has significant economies social and health
impacts at both and individual and societal level.

2.2.1 Economic impact

According to Lipton Matthews (2021) states that analysis show that 20.3% of gross domestic
product is expended on producing children in the polygamous economy, whereas only 3.5% of
resources are devoted to childrearing in the monogamous economy. Families are usually larger in
polygamous societies, so raising children is a more expensive endeavour. Some scholars also
posit that polygamy can result in resource dilution considering that greater number of adults and
children are being supported on a limited budget.

2.2.2. Social Impact

Many studies about polygamy are structured on whether the practice should be recognized,
banned, or punished through the law. Little has been written about the moral question on
polygamous marriage. However, from a moral ground, polygamy is morally unacceptable due to
its effects on societies.
Tabi, Doster and Cheney, (2010) state that social effect of this practice is emanated from the
perceived competition by co-wives. They give birth to as many children as they can, as a way of
getting a larger share of common resources that get shared by the family when it comes to
inheritance. Giving birth becomes a contest among these wives. Competition in the end produces
effects that are injurious to the society. Competition among wives for common resources is likely
to culminate conflicts that largely affect society’s stability.

These result in child negligence in that, children are less supported and well maintained by their
parents. Parents invest less time and money in the upkeep, education, as well as in provision of
critical care for their children(Elbedour, Onwuegbuzie, Caridine & Abu-Saad, 2002). In the end
the society bears the consequences of the problems associated with lack of education and proper
parenting of children. One common consequence is substance abuse among children due to lack
of parental guidance. The early substance abuse affects societies in terms of increased crime rate.

2.2.3 Health impact

People in polygamous marriages in apostolic sect are more likely to experience adverse health
outcomes, have poor help literacy, and practice poor health behaviours as they are not allowed to
go to be treated in health institutions. When one is sick, he or she is taken to shrine where it is
believed that the holy- spirit will perform the healing. People with low levels of healthy literacy
are likely to experience ie.

A lack of engagement with health services such as cancer screening

A lack of understanding and adherence of medical advice moreover, the recent COVID-19
pandemic has exposed the great lack of health literacy global. During this time many people
where challenged in understanding and applying the health information provided by health
professionals (Paak Kari and Okan 2020) .Adequate health literacy is important in ensuring that
people are able to understand and correctly apply health information to prevent diseases and the
failure to do so increases the risk for disease transmission. Polygamy women are more likely to
be HIV positive than monogamous women and more likely to be infected with STIs, moreover,
polygamy is associated with higher incidence of infant and child mortality. Children in
polygamous families experience ill health and early childhood death as a result of malnutrition
and HIV/AID. Polygamy is also a source of emotional distress and depression imposing
detrimental effects on the mental health wives(Damtie, Y., Kefale, B., Yalew, M 2020)

2.3. The historical background of polygamous marriages in Zimbabwe.

For several years polygamous marriages have been strongly practiced in Zimbabwe and more of
planned and arranged marriages originate from the African traditions and norms.

Religion plays a pivotal role in polygamous marriages, but not also forgetting the role of culture
and tradition in relation with polygamous practices. According to Machingura (2011), polygamy
was practiced in the traditional Shona culture, hence through the history of the early child
marriages, it was practiced as a cultural or traditional norm. Cultural marriages like “kuzvarirwa”
child pleading where the girl child is given away without her consent as they are married before
birth in exchange of any commodities, which the parent requested and it was done especially
during famine. Jeater (1992) argued that in the pre- colonial era, the practice that resulted in
polygamy was ‘kuzvarira’ pledging, he noted that the practice of ( kuzvarira) pledging, whereby
young girls were pledged to big men who were rich in exchange of grain during food shortages.
This practice is in contravention with the Customary Marriages Act 6, which stipulates that

any person who by force, intimidation or other improper means compels or attempts to compel
any African female to enter into a marriage against her will shall be guilty of an offence and
liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars or, in default of payment, to imprisonment for
a period not exceeding twelve months.

The Marange sect are seen as pioneers of polygamous marriages but rather it was a thing which
was practiced with their fore fathers due to ignorance and undermine women’s rights.

During colonial in Zimbabwe, “musengabere” (abduction) was practiced and it promotes

polygamous marriages. According to Becker (1999), the man believed to have studied the girl’s
daily activities including when she would go to the river, the man would reappear with her after a
while and present her to her family since the girl’s family would be worried on the disappearance
of their daughter. The young girls were married in a manner of being forced as the decision only
made by men who are older than being their father.

According to Machingura (2011), he quotes the head man Gondo, ‘musengabere’(abduction) was
a way of forcing a girl into marriage against her will but due to the change of time the tradition
was abandoned due to the fact that it promoted early child marriages that is why it is now
referred to as child kidnapping. It can be noted that traditional culture undermine the rights of
girl child, like health, education, freedom of expression, association as they are married off
without their consent. Henceforth, it shows that polygamous marriages originated from the pre-
colonial Zimbabwe.

The Apostolic movement in Zimbabwe can be traced to Johane Marange and Johanne Masowe
groups that started in the 1930s in Marange and Makoni areas (Gregson et al. 1999). According
to Chitando et al (2014), Johane Marange founded the African Apostolic Church of Johane
Marange in 1932. Machingura (2011) stresses that the sect continued to grow after the death of
its founder. He also asserts that the Johane Marange and the Johane Masowe sects command
sizeable following in Zimbabwe, in Africa even in Europe in over thirty years of evangelism.
Anderson (2001) argues “In July 1932 the first mass baptism of 150 people in the Marange
Chiefdom took place. In thirty years he preached as far as Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi and
Central Congo, exorcising evil spirits and baptizing thousands of people, commanding them to
renounce traditional ritual practices and witchcraft” (Anderson 2001).

Polygamous was being practised as it evidenced by the number of wives which their leader had,
Machingura (2011) states that other Johane Marange’s wives were younger than the first born
Abel. Anderson (2001) record that a man may marry as many wives as he wishes, but in most
cases the young girls have no say over whom they will marry. Arranged marriages remain in
place in Luveve Bulawayo, and a girl cannot refuse the arrangement. If she does so, her family
will disown her. Anderson (2001) accredit this as the strict rules girls have to abide by if they do
not wish to face the wrath of God.

2.4. Consequences of the apostolic church’s practises

The Apostolic church’s practices has resulted to the failure of most young girls in the church.
Women are seen as an inferior as they are not allowed to attain higher education, as they lack
freedom in their decisions of live. The apostolic sects undermine the future of these women as
they hold the upcoming development of the community.

According to Machingura (2011), HIV and AIDS is killing people and it has not spared apostolic
sects with their negative attitude towards modern family planning methods. As already noted, the
apostolic sects’ highest lack of knowledge, poverty and marginalization make women the hardest
hit group from HIV and AIDS. Current statistical evidence shows that HIV and AIDS hits
hardest the poor, the marginalized, the exploited individuals and the list equipped. If men in the
apostolic sects are least equipped on HIV and AIDS, it then implies that women are the worst
equipped as a result of the level of patriarchy in these sects and how sexuality issues are
regarded. Women in the apostolic sects are marginalised as well as the list equipped in dealing
with HIV and AIDS issues and the demands of its care. Musa Dube (2008) noted that, women
and young girls are among the poorest in the world because of their gendered identities. It is
clear that with this anti-modern healthy methods attitude in the apostolic sects, women will
continue to be the victims of polygamy, forced marriages and HIV and AIDS. Weinreich and
Benn (2004) rightly noted that, even though women face high infection rates, they carry the
heavy burden of providing care. It can be argued that Marange’s church practice increase the
death rate of women because of its polygamy as one person affected it affect all. They strictly
use holy water as per religious belief. They consult the Holy Spirit to guides them concerning a
particular patient’s problems, because of some protracted problems foreseen by the Holy Spirit,
the women can be there up to five months until they deliver. When it is imperative for a pregnant
woman to stay, they have to bring a tent, food, blankets and clothes. The women can gave birth
to 10 children at home as per church regulations which stipulate that they should not attend
antenatal clinic and use only holy water, while hospitals use medicines to cure, they keep faith in
holy water. They are against the idea of forcing people to take medication or vaccination against
our religious belief.” It can be summarized that apostolic sect does not consider the health of a
women because of their beliefs, which made them prone to lot of diseases. Lack of knowledge
cause more girl in danger of decision as they lack critical thinking about their life as they taught
about their religious doctrine only.
2.5. Laws and Constitution of Zimbabwe

Legality. In Zimbabwe civil law, the marriage Act of Zimbabwe only recognizes monogamous
marriages. However, the majority of marriages in Zimbabwe are customary. The relevant
African Marriages Act of Zimbabwe recognizes both polygamous and potentially polygamous
unions. Most of these customary marriages are unregistered.

Polygamy in Zimbabwe was traditionally practiced by the Chiefs as a means of elevating their
social standing, though they would typically only take two or three wives. According to Wiliam
& Mary Law School study, an estimated 18% of Zimbabwean women belong to polygamous
marriages. The study suggest that there may be a decrease in the incidence of polygamy in
zibabwe due to an ever-weakening economy that would not enable men to financially support
multiple partners.

Polygamy in Zimbabwe has been criticized by various mainstream Christian groups that 80
percent of the country identify with. A study by the University of Fort Hare stated that polygamy
was more prevalent in Zimbabwe and especially among the shona people. It is argued that
polygamy seems to propagate child sexual abuse in schools because it sees no boundary between
adults and children. (wenkipedia)

On the 27 of May the President of Zimbabwe passed into law a new marriage act (chapter 5;15)
Civil marriages under Marriage Act were considered superior and handled differently upon
divorce. But now all marriages are equally giving Zimbabweans in other marriages more rights
to inherit property.

The first international instrument to document this was the UDHR 1948. It provides that
marriages should be entered only with free and full consent of the intending spouses.

Customary marriage recognized under the Customary Marriages Act, but does not provide for a
minimum marriage age for either boys and girls. The Marange sect shows that they do not
observe the laws.

Considering that Marange himself had 13 wives who were young enough to be his children
(Machingura
2.6. The Doctrine of the Apostolic church and How it Promotes polygamous Marriages

The apostolic church doctrine teach cause young girls into marriage and the willingness to
become wives as they are taught about the wellness of marriage. The aunts, mothers teach the
young girls how to handle a husband when they got married. The teachings blinded the vision of
a girl at a very young age and they end up longing for marriage, and hence neglecting education
and empowering themselves.

The teachings show that it promotes polygamous marriages. Polygamy reveals a teaching in
Marange sect as the elders and leaders have three or more wives. Marrying many wives shows
masculinity and respected in Marange sect. Anderson (2001) notes that a man may marry as
many wives as he wishes, but in most cases the girls have no say over who they will marry.

According to Chiwature (2012), in the Marange Sect, the more wives they have, the more power
and success they are believed to have. It can be noted that the church’s doctrine promote
polygamous marriages as they are not allowed to refuse to get married because if they refuse
they disobey the holy spirit which cause them to barren or staying unmarried for the whole life.
Anderson (2001) elements this to the strict rules girls have to abide by if they do not wish to face
the wrath of God.

2.7 Strategies to end polygamous marriages

There are number of strategies that will help to end polygamous in Women in the apostolic
church. These ways include education, empowerment, educate parents, mobilize religious leaders
and community elders, support women in polygamous marriages, mass media, capacity building
at community level, policy and legislations, advocacy

2.8.1 Education
According to UNICEF (2005), one in four girls is married before 18. Education involves
everyone in the community to minimize polygamous marriages that includes chiefs, elders,
family, individuals, and church leaders. WHO (2008) highlights that education can be done by
the church, the community and various civil society organizations. The education component can
be addressed through targeting people in churches, community center, awareness campaigns and
public education programs, which teaches them about the effect of polygamous marriages, issues
of human rights. The education also includes gender equality and rights of everyone on
education and marriage to be optional not a law in Marange sect. The Education Act recognises
that all humans have a fundamental right to education.

2.8.2 Mass media

Mass media plays an important role in addressing effects of polygamous marriage. Mass media
consist of radio, public theatres, and articles. Knoblock (2009) claims that the mass media can be
used to carry out campaigns that altar individual’s perceptions of social norms, specifically
perceptions of attitudes and behaviors that are typical and desirable to their community.

2.8.3 Advocacy
Advocacy is the other strategy that ends polygamous marriages, it involves government officials
who are relevant on ending polygamous marriage as well as organisations who fight for women
rights. The agenda is on revealing the effects of polygamous, marriages like health and high
death rate.

2.8.4 Empower women

Through empowering women it, increase their self-esteem in decision-making, develop skills of
their sustainability as they live and support each with ideas. Women must be empowered with
trainings, development skills and knowledge, support networks so that they cannot be prone to
polygamous marriages. According to Olson (2014), says Dr. Dyalchand measured the self-
esteem of women and found that the lower the self-esteem, the higher the risk of polygamy
marriage. In addition, he says empowerment programs for women are key to prevent child this
act by improving both their sense of self and self-efficacy through informing them of their basic
human rights, their legal right to refuse a marriage, and education programs on health and sex
education.

2.8.5 Mobilize religious leaders and community elders

The idea of mobilize religious and community elders is that they have lot of influence in decision
making in the community so they are the first people to understand the issue of polygamous
marriage and its effect to women. Once they are knowledgeable hence improve the literacy in
most women and young girls.

2.8.6 Support women who are already in polygamous marriages

Married women need support on how they manage to stay in their marriages and empower them
with development skills, give them chance to proceed with their education. The community also
involve in supporting already married women with technical knowledge, awareness of life, to
avoid violent in a marriage.

2.8.7 Chapter Summary

The chapter managed to highlight the theoretical framework used to explain polygamous
marriages and other religious practices that contributes in being engaged in polygamy within
women in the apostolic sect. On this chapter the researcher also managed to look at the various
researches carried out with different philosophers that have different views in polygamous
marriages. The next chapter presents the methodology.
 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This chapter explores the different methods engaged by the researcher to conduct the research. It
brings out the sequence of activities that were implemented by the researcher to collect the
needed data to answer the research questions. It consists of the research design, study population,
sample, data collection instruments, ethical issues, feasibility, delimitations and limitations of the
methodology.

3.2 Research Design

It is the overall strategy that one choose to integrate the different component of the study in a
coherent and logical way. While Bryman and Bell (2000) define a research design as a
framework for the collection and analysis of data. Cresswell (2014) defines research design as
the plan or blue print, which determines the specific procedures for conducting research with in
qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research approaches. Overall it can be defined as a
way for gathering imperial data, which is used to test a hypothesis or develop a theory. Thus, it
seeks to give who is studing and how the participants of the study are to be studied.

Burns and Grove (2003) define a research design as “a blueprint for conducting a study with
maximum control over factors that may interfere with the validity of the findings”. Parahoo
(1997) describes a research design as “a plan that describes how, when and where data are to be
collected and analyzed”. Polit et al (2001) define a research design, as “the researcher’s overall
for answering the research question or testing the research hypothesis”.

Therefore the nature of the research is going to be qualitative. Qualitative research methods are
usually associated with inductive approaches that are based on empirical evidence. Babbie
(2004) notes that qualitative analysis involves a continual interplay between theory and analysis,
thus employing such survey one is able to discover patterns such as changes over time or
possible causal links between variables.
Burns and Grove (2003) describe a qualitative approach as “a systematic subjective approach
used to describe life experiences and situations to give them meaning”. Parahoo (1997) states
quality research focuses on the experiences of people as well as stressing uniqueness of the
individual. Holloway and Wheeler (2002) refer to qualitative research as “a form of social
enquiry that focuses on the way people interpret and make sense of their experience and the
world in which they live”. Adopting a qualitative approach for this type of research will help to
explore the behavior, perspectives, experiences and feelings of people on the issue of
polygamous marriages in the apostolic church.

The rationale for using a qualitative approach in this research was to explore and describe the
different behavioral responses of various groups of people on factors that contribute in
polygamous marriages. A qualitative approach would be appropriate to capture the opinions,
views and responses of various people regarding on the issue of polygamy and religious practices
that contribute in polygamous marriages. This study focused on the opinion of religion
promoting polygamous marriages in women in the apostolic sect in Luveve suburbs, Bulawayo.
The research approach is non-experimental, qualitative, exploratory-descriptive and contextual.
The research will use different instruments in collecting data.

3.3Study population

3.3.1 Study area

Matebeleland, Bulawayo in Luveve high density suburb is one of the areas which polygamous
marriages are considered because of the availability of different apostolic denominations. The
area suffers from human abuse, as women are more vulnerable to health issues, lack of
education. NGOs and the government intervention through creation of laws which include the
rights of women, advocacy and lobby for girl child rights as well as women, awareness
campaigns which enlighten the community and this have been seen as the plight of hope to save
the people. The area has a total population of approximately 2000 households (pre-survery2021).
Of these approximately 1 100 are followers of Apostolic Church whilst 900 are not followers.

3.3.2 Target population

It can be defined as a set of elements larger than or different from the population sampled and to
which the researcher would like to generalize study population. Alvi (2016) viewed target
population as participants that have information that need to be collected from them in order to
achieve research objectives. The research will target the facilitators who conduct door-to-door
sessions, village chairpersons, community health workers, youth officers, ward coordinators,
cooperatives and women support groups.

3.4 Sample size

Burneister (2012) viewed sufficient sample size as a minimum number of people that are
required to achieve research objectives. The research targeted the 10 key informants, 4 wards
coordinator, 4 village health workers, 4 village heads, 10 women (in polygamous marriages) and
20 cooperatives and women support groups. The sample size was used to represent the
population views.

3.4.1 Sampling technique

The main sampling technique used during the research was purposive sampling. This refers to a
sampling method whereby the researcher deliberately chooses who to participate in the study
basing on the ability to provide the necessary data needed. It is most relevant in cases where
small samples are chosen. Thus, beneficiaries of NGOs and government programs aimed at
reducing polygamy in the sampled. These managed to give the needed information, which was
needed by the researcher based on their experiences.

3.5 Data Gathering Methods

Interviews, questionnaires and personal observation were used as data collection methods for
this research.
3.5.1 Interviews

Frey and Oishi (1995) define an interview as a purposeful conversation in which one person asks
prepared questions (interviewer) and another answers them (respondent). This is done to gain
information on a particular topic or a particular area to be researched. Interviews are a useful tool
which can lead to further research using other methodologies such as observation and
experiments (Jensen and Jankowski 1991). The researcher used interviews in carrying out the
research. Finn and Jacobson (2008) highlights advantages of using interviews as being useful for
gaining insight and context into a topic, and allows respondents to describe what is important to
them and being useful for gathering quotes and stories. Denscombe (1998) observes that
interviews are particularly good at producing data which deal with topics in depth and detail.
Fery and Oishi (1995) argue that interviews allows questioning to be guided as one wants and
clarification of points if need be are made clearer and easily. Moreover, interviews allow the
researcher to have direct contact with the respondent; hence the research used interviews so as to
be able to read the non-verbal cues as observation is part of data gathering instruments. Thus
interviews provided a deep understanding on challenges faced by women in polygamous
marriages in apostolic sect, as well as people’s perceptions on alternatives.

3.5.2 Questionnaires

Questionnaires were used on selected beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. A structured

questionnaire with both open ended and close ended questions were considered an appropriate
technique given the fact that it can elicit the feelings, beliefs, experiences, perceptions and
attitudes of apostolic women and some community members engaged in polygamous marriages.
Questionnaires as a data collection tool are useful when collecting information from a large
number of respondents. Finn and Jacobson (2008) highlight that questionnaires are advantageous
in that administration is comparatively inexpensive and easy even when gathering data from
large numbers of people spread over wide geographic area, reduces chance of evaluator bias
because the same questions are asked of all respondents, many people are familiar with
questionnaires, some people feel more comfortable responding to a questionnaires than
participating in an interview and tabulation of closed-ended responses is an easy and
straightforward process. A structured questionnaire also gave room for comparisons of responses
among respondents. It enables quantitative data to be collected in a standardized way so that the
data are internally consistent and coherent for analysis (Chattopadhyay & Seddon, 2002). To this
end questionnaires provided a deep understanding of the levels of illiteracy among apostolic
women.

3.5.3 Personal observation

Personal observation reinforced questionnaires and interviews in data collection. Blaxter et al

(2006:13) notes that “observation method involves the researcher in watching recording and
analyzing events of interest.” Observation enables the researcher to collect data directly; it
provides a means for collecting substantial amounts of data in a relatively short time span and
effectively eliminates any bias from the current emotions or personal background of the observer
(Denscombe 1998). Through observation the researcher got to get first-hand information and was
able to get the actual reality of the situation on the ground as compared to theory.

The researcher opted for personal observation as way of reinforcing information collected using
questionnaires and interviews. While questionnaires and interviews provided different views and
angles on the study, the researcher saw it as of paramount importance to observe the level of
illiteracy among apostolic women so as to qualify the information provided by questionnaires
and interviews. Finn and Jacobson (2008) observe that personal observation has the following
merits:

 it enables one to collect data where and when an event or activity is occurring
 does not rely on people’s willingness to provide information
 directly see what people do rather than relying on what they say they do
 there is directness/vivid evidence; one can know through analyzing and interpreting the
views and attitudes of the concerned group,
 The researcher observes things and issues in natural setting and it complements
information gained from other techniques. .
Jacobson et al (2009) further notes that personal observation is effective because the members of
the observed group are likely to change their behavior and they are kept in ignorance of the fact
that they are being observed for research purposes.

3.6 Data Validity and Reliability

Joppe, (2000:1) defines reliability as ‘the extent to which results are consistent over time and an
accurate representation of the total population under study is referred to as reliability and if the
results of a study can be reproduced under a similar methodology, then the research instrument is
considered to be reliable’. Polit and Hungler, (1993) refer to reliability as the degree of
consistency with which an instrument measures the attribute it is designed to measure. The
validity of an instrument is the degree to which an instrument measures what it is intended to
measure, (Polit & Hungler, 1993). Content validity refers to the extent to which an instrument
represents the factors under study. There was pretesting of the data collection instruments to be
used. A pretest refers to a trial administration of an instrument to identify flaws, (Polit &
Hungler, 1995). Hence for the data gathering questionnaires will be pretested to ensure that they
address the needs of the research and can be relied upon to probe valid data. Researchers also
determine validity by asking a series of questions, and will often look for the answers in the
research of others. (Joppe, 2000). Triangulation is a strategy that was employed for improving
the validity and reliability of research of findings. Mathison (1988:13) elaborates that
‘triangulation has risen an important methodological issue in naturalistic and qualitative
approaches to evaluation [in order to] control bias and establishing valid propositions’. Patton,
(2001) advocates the use of triangulation by stating “triangulation strengthens a study by
combining methods. This can mean using several kinds of methods or data, including using both
quantitative and qualitative approaches”.

Other strategies used included investigator responsiveness, methodological coherence,

theoretical sampling and sampling adequacy, an active analytic stance, and saturation; these
strategies, force the researcher to correct both the direction of the analysis and the development
of the study as necessary, thus ensuring reliability and validity of the completed project, (Morse
et al, 2002:4). Within the conduct of inquiry itself, verification strategies that ensure both
reliability and validity of data will include activities such as ensuring methodological coherence,
sampling sufficiency, developing a dynamic relationship between sampling, data collection and
analysis, thinking theoretically, and theory development, (Morse et al, 2002:12)

3.7 Data collection procedure

The researcher collected a letter from the departmental secretary that showed that she was a
Midlands State University student who is due to do a research project. She went with the letter to
the District Administrator for Bulawayo, where she was given permission to go into the field.
The student proceeded to Luveve were she went to the councilor and introduce herself and the
purpose of the visit and DA’s permission was shown to the councilor. The councilor referred the
student to the targeted population. The community chairpersons saw the recommendation letter
from the DA for research and managed to explain the purpose of the study. She was given the
permission to interact with Luveve residents in getting the information. The participants were
very eager to participate during the research process and the student managed to get most of the
information he wanted from them. The research manages to cover 2 days to get information.

3.8 Ethical considerations

3.8.1 Privacy and Confidentiality

Sarantakos (2013) notes that privacy refers to the avoidance of being involved in the private
affairs of respondents while confidentiality is preserving information so that it is highly unlikely
to be linked with particular participant. It safeguards the sharing of information by the researcher
to the third parties without the knowledge of the respondent. It protects participants from
psychological harm through divulging of information to third parties. This issue ensures that
respondents unveil their information with the security that the information will not be
volunteered to third parties.

3.8.2 Informed consent

This is a process which entails three main processes which are provision of information by the
researcher, the understanding of information by the potential participant and making a response
to the information. Silverman (2013) and De Vans (2011) note that informed consent is closely
related to the principle of voluntary participation, which requires the researcher to giving
information to the respondents concerning the research and their right to choose whether to
participate or withdraw from the research process. It is therefore a process of receiving
participation after divulging information to the participants. Thus it allows the participants to
give frank information after understanding the purpose of the research.

3.8.3 Avoidance of harm

This refers to not doing actions, which will result in harming the subjects of the research (De
Vans( 2011). It seeks to uphold issues such as beneficence and non-malfeasance. The subjects of
study were protected from all forms of exploitation that is psychological, sexual and physical
attainment. Records and information got was kept confidential. Use of conducive areas during
the research and explanation reduced the fear of participants hence they volunteered the needed
information.

3.8.4 Feasibility

This is the capability of being done, affected or accomplished, (Byron and Byrnes (2013). The
researcher made application to the permanent secretary of the ministry of rural development and
granted approval letter. Respondents participated well because they knew it was for academic
purposes. The study was feasible since the student is from the study area and knew various
activities done by the government and NGOs to save the locals from effects of polygamous
marriages.

3.9 Delimitations
Focusing on Luveve residents may not be enough to give a clear picture of challenges faced by
women in polygamous marriages in the Apostolic church. The number of participants may have
a bearing on gathering diverse information due to the number of participants.

3.10 Chapter summary

The chapter outline how the research was conducted by giving research instruments, targeted
population, sampling techniques in carrying out the study. It also looks into ethics that the
researcher managed to observe how they were implemented during research

CHAPTER 4

DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETETION OF FINDINGS

4.0 Introduction

This chapter focuses on presentation and analysis of the findings in line with the research in the
preceding chapter. Data is presented and analyzed in line with the research questions to be
answered.

4.1 Response rate and demographic analysis of respondents

Thirty (30) questionnaires were sent to women and girls in Luveve randomly in the chosen
research area on 8 and 9 of July. At a total of 24 returned, giving a rate of 80%. Interviews were
done including the church Leaders and community leaders, interview response percentage rate
was 75%. Scheduled interview with Luveve ward councilor could not take places he was not
found on the appointed date of the interview that was on the 9th of July. Hence the overall
research response percentage rate was 80% for the study.
Figure 1: Demographic Information of the respondents by age group

Women’ respondents
women 35 + and to questionnaire
bove young girls
54%
according to age
group as indicated
above. 54% were girls
between 18-35yrs
whilst 46% were
women above
35years. This research got more exposure and responses from young women who are being
under mined their rights.

Age Category Details Number

18-35 Level of education Primary 15
Secondary 9
Tertiary 0
35-t N/A N/A N/A

The table above shows the biography data on respondent on level of education. 15 participates
indicates that they left their education on primary level on which some did not have a chance to
write their grade seven exams to obtain primary certificate. 9 participate indicates that they
reached only form 1and 2 whilst none of them reached or step a foot on tertiary level, as they had
already married into polygamy and nursing their young ones.

The results imply the need to help girls and women to get education and to help them know their
rights.
4.2 The causes of polygamous marriages among women

Religion is the major reason behind or in contributing high levels of polygamous amongst
women in apostolic sect. The research has found that parents are also playing a role in marring
their girls to elderly married men as a church doctrine. No girl child is allowed to go against the
church doctrine. Poverty is the other cause of illiteracy as their family are very big that the father
can hardly know their names. They cannot afford to send their children school. Some parents are
ignorant towards education as they do not know the importance of it.

4.2.1 The impact of polygamous marriages amongst women

Young women are forced to drop out of school and forced to marry to very old married men of
the church. As they cannot defend themselves they are left with no options. The research has
found that this young women face many challenges for example, health challenges like HIV and
Aids and STIs, they even give birth to unhealthy babies which some of them die while very
young. Only a mother can feel the pain of losing her child. On the other hand some they lost their
life while giving birth. If these women were given chance to be educated they would not suffer
that much as they would know their rights and have choices about their lives decision.

The apostolic church (Luveve) they are not aware of laws which we implemented for them by
the government. The research covers this topic by highlighting the rights which the girls and
women have to understand the whole concepts of human rights as well as to stop forced
marriages. The participants especially young women were happy as the law give them equal
rights and the elders heard what the Zimbabwean constitution say about human rights. One
participate said they also need post in church so that their voices as women can be recognized.

One participate say

If women have leadership in church, she can promote a girl to be a school goer than marriage
as it contributes hardship throughout their lives. As women we a very grateful to have human
rights which support us

4.2.2 How can polygamous women be assisted

The research session (study) shows that all young women are willing to attend school with the
aid of the government, if the elders remove church doctrines that undermined girls and women.
The 2013 constitution has a section of the Children Act ( chapter 5.06) aims to provide for the
establishment of children’s courts the attainment of education to the tertiary level decrease early
marriage as they were occupied with education through parental support as their other right. The
participants between the age of 18-35 want to attain with education even vocational skills.

They say. Can we be given a chance to go to school with the aid of the government so that we
can be able to help ourselves and be granted opportunities to have technical studies that will help
us to cater for our families

Other participants highlighted the need of

Empowerment projects. This will enable us as women to pay school fees and other daily needs
and be recognized as able and or responsible bearers.

The research sees that this exercise enlighten the minds of the people and they need projects in
their community, which can sustain them for their sustained them for their survival and
polygamy marriages will decrease.

4.3 chapter summary

The chapter concentrated on presentation and analyzing collected data. The data was presented
by pie chart, and a use of a table and descriptive analysis. Some of the information present are
highlight the respondents view in this chapter.

CHAPTER 5
 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.0 Introduction
The chapter present a summary of the research findings that were highlighted in the previous
chapter. It give a conclusion based on the research findings of this study that is linked to the
aim and objectives of the study. Recommendations where made basing on challenges faced
by apostolic women in polygamous marriages in suburb in Bulawayo (Luveve) being the
case study.

5.1 Summary
The study focused on challenges faced by apostolic sect women in polygamous marriages in
Luveve suburbs in Bulawayo as the case study and was arranged into four different parts. The
study focused on the background, objectives, aim, significance, statement of the problem of the
study. It emphasized more on the influence of religion in promoting polygamous marriage. It
managed to show that women are more vulnerable in polygamous marriages as well as their
rights are being undermined with the Apostolic Church. The study views at previous literature
and the theoretic framework. Religion and women are one as they are more vulnerable in the
society like in health, education, feasibility. The researcher suggests using the theory of change
as a way of promoting or advocating for women. Theory of change is on the prevention of
polygamous marriages as well as its mitigation or the provision of support to young women who
are already married and those who are not yet into marriage. The solutions are as follows
increase access to safe, quality formal and non-formal education for girls and health services for
young women married and unmarried on the protocols on identifying the warning signs and
addressing the risks of polygamous marriages, awareness programs on preventing and mitigate
risk of forced marriage. To implement effective laws and policies as the government must
develop supportive policy frameworks with adequate resourcing across Ministries to increase
educational, economic and social opportunities for women at risk forced marriages and married
girls. It also looked at the research methodology. The research endorse the quality that was made
successful through interviews. It used the case study approach which helped the researcher to
purposively select respondents for the sake of the study. This allowed the researcher to interact
with the respondents in the situation and got first-hand information whilst representing the larger
population. It also looked at the ethical issues involved in the research such as confidentiality,
least harm and informed consent. Data presentation, analysis, interpretation and discussion of
findings. This was done in line with the objectives which were highlighted in chapter one. The
first objective to investigate challenges faced by apostolic sect women in polygamous marriages.
The second objective is to explore why apostolic sect women engage in polygamous marriages it
was being answered after the background as of why religion promote polygamous marriages as
they follow their doctrine. The third objective is to establish linkages between religious beliefs
and polygamous marriages.

5.2 Conclusion

The research’s main thrust was to look at the challenges faced by apostolic sect women in
polygamous marriages in Luveve suburbs. The research over’s the background of the forced
marriage which is the major cause of polygamous marriages in Zimbabwe from the pre-colonial
period up to the post -colonial period. Apostolic teachings or doctrines corrupt the minds of
young women as they were taught about marriage on a tender age and that is how they promote
polygamous marriages. The culture-traditional origin of Zimbabwe has something to do with
polygamous marriages and the Apostolic sect now practices it.

The government of Zimbabwe come up with laws that will help to decrease the cases of
polygamous marriages. Zimbabwe constitution kept amending laws from the 1917 laws that
were amended through act number 6 of 1964 then 1997. These laws were amended in order
to protect women’s rights for those who were caged victims of child pledging and forced
marriages. The marriage act argues that only person who reaches 18 and above can be
allowed to enter into marriage with free and full consent. It can be noted that in this research
Apostolic Sect go against the Zimbabwean Constitution as they violate women’s rights
through engaging them into polygamous marriage.
The research also shows the effect of polygamy as it results with diseases like HIV/AIDS,
STI which will undermine the living of a girl child. Young girls are prone to these diseases as
they lack knowledge about prevention of diseases, as they know holy water, which is not
useful to these diseases. They also lack to know how of handling marriage, which end up
exposed to gender based violence. The Apostolic sects are backward as they are not involved
in a modernization world, for instance they are illiteracy cause of lacking education, as they
do not value it. Apostolic members has high drop out from school to become married as they
reach puberty. Illiteracy results in lacking decision-making, their rights as women as young
girls even those men lack knowledge about laws in order to stop violating human rights. It
can be argued that Apostolic Church will not allow the attainment of further education to a
girl child, as they need to be engaged into marriage before they lose their virginity as they
value it.

Apostolic women lack empowerment, which result in male dominance, which made them
prone to gender based violence. The doctrine of church taught women to be submissive to
their husbands, made them voiceless because husbands have taken all the power. The
research also indicates that church’s marriage practice hinders community development. It
hinders through violating the future generation as they engaged them into marriage at a
tender age. The Apostolic sect corrupt the mindset of the child as they mainly focus on
marriage rather than education and these children also corrupt other children by telling them
about the virginity test, marriage which, hinders community development.

5.3 Recommendations

The engagement of community leaders and political leaders to advocate for women and
especially young girls who are the victims of the apostolic religion.

The government should re-introduce Adult Education particularly for the parents so that they
stop marriages. It can be difficult to educate the community because lot of people are
illiterate because 70% are mostly like not even attend school. Community workshops and
adult education lessons must involves pictorials for those who are not able to read for better
understanding of the agenda.
The other issue is on empowering women through advocacy as a way of enlighten them with
the knowledge. The awareness campaign will be conducted in luveve mainly focusing on the
age group of 20 and above. Addressing issues to do with polygamous marriages, stating pros
and cons associated with polygamous marriages. These campaign will be done through
media (television drama), writing short stories on the newspapers and radio programs.

5.3.1 Community small groups

Conducting small group to mentor young women on the importance of education. Small
groups create openness among members. These kind of groups are an eye opener to the
women of age from 20 years and above. Tagging in women in apostolic church and grouping
them into small focus group discussing the religious belief that can be changed and better the
standards of living.

5.3.2. Engaging Non-Governmental organization.

Partnering with other NGOs to empower young women and educating them on religious
practices that deprive young girls from their rights of getting knowledge. These are the
following NGOs that the researcher will engage Jowu, Habakkuk Trust, Emthonjeni
Women’s forum, Dreams, The Girl Child Network Worldwide, Plan International, NGOs
will ensure that young women get quality education, support young to break the cycle of
poverty by facilitating that they gain skills and knowledge they need to learn a living.

5.3.3 Community Little free library

Libraries are community hubs and they connect people to people, they become safe heaves
for the young married illiterate women. These libraries will become centers to share new
ideas an education women in all aspect. These libraries will have books that address issues to
do with women empowerment and basic skills on how they can equip themselves as house
wives.
There is need to harmonize marriage laws in order to protect or empower women through
their own rights as they treated unfairly in the society so the need of uniformity in legislation.
Customary Marriage Act should provide the minimum age of marriage so as to decrease
child marriages to young girls. The laws also help the young girls to fulfil their dreams as
well as community development. Advocacy through awareness campaign on culture,
customs and traditions are also needed in the community. Human rights norms are needed to
uphold as it help to reinforce the aspects of culture and tradition, undermining those that
contribute to violence against women and infringement of their human rights such as child
marriages.

Recovery and social reintegration services should be provided for all girl child victims of
early child marriage to enable them to regain their damaged ego for continued sustenance of
life. This recovery involves counselling to rebuild the child. The community leaders,
traditional leaders and religious groups must be equipped with information and skills on how
to eliminate the practice of girl-child marriage. Provision of knowledge to these old leaders
will help the sustainability of girl child.

5.4 Chapter Summary

The chapter gave a brief summary of the main purpose of the research through highlighting
what chapter one to four looked at. These chapters highlight the limitations,
recommendations to the implementers and the community are highlighted in this chapter
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Weinrich. S. and Benn. C, (2004) AIDS, meeting the Challenge: Data, Facts and Background,
Geneva: WCC Publications.

WHO (2008) Preventing Violence and Reducing its Impact: How Development Agencies Can
Help.

Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency & ICF International. 2012. Zimbabwe Demographic and
Health Survey 2010-11. Calverton: ZIMSTAT and ICF International Inc.

SECTION A

Instructions
Put a tick to indicate your choice of answer.

1. Sex Male

Female

2. Age 18-35 years 35+… years

 3. Level of education

Primary Secondary Tertiary

4. Your professional qualification

Employed Unemployed self employed

5. Are you married Yes No

If YES willingly or unwillingly

Willingly Unwillingly

1. Do you agree that Religion is the main reason of polygamous marriages among apostolic
women?

Yes No
2.Do you agree that apostolic women in polygamous marriages face difficult challenges?

Yes No

If you agree how?

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 3. Do want the government to assist in women in polygamy

Yes No

If yes how?

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What are your strategies to end forced marriages in you church and community?

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SECTION B

Interview guide for leaders

1. How long have you been in the church?

2. What has been your experience on the doctrine of the church?

3. What is your argument about girl child going to school and stopping polygamous
marriages in your church?

4. How your holy water does heal than medical treatment?

5. From your own point of view is it good/ wise to marry off women without their consent?

6. Does church doctrine undermine young women or not?

7. From your own point of view, does the church undermine community

growth/development?
 6. Are you aware of the Zimbabwean constitution on rights of women ?

Interview guide for men

1. How long have you been in the church?

2. How do you feel marrying young children instead of taking them to school?

3. Is your church doctrine undermining women and girl’s rights?

4. What is reason of not allowing girls to education

5. Does your doctrine undermine community development?

6. Are you aware of the Zimbabwean constitution on rights of women and children?

Interview guide for women

1. How long have you been in the church?

2. What is your experience towards church’s doctrine/teachings?

3. How long have you been married and what has been your experience of raising children?

4. How do you feel when you are not allowing children to go to school?

5. Is it useful to have clinics in your area?

6. From your own point of view is your doctrine undermine your rights?

7. Are you aware of the constitution of Zimbabwe on how it addresses human rights?

8. Is the church bringing development in your area, what is your take?

Interview guide for young girls

1. How long have you been in the church?

2. What is your experience towards the doctrine of the church?

3. Who come up with the idea of marriage and how do you feel about it?

4. Is the church undermining your dreams, in what way?

5. Do you want to attend school
Interview guide for Organisations
1. What is the name of your organisation?

2. What is your area of your coverage?

3. What do you think about religion as the driver of illiteracy and child marriages?

4. Is there any awareness campaign, advocacy towards child marriage in the area?

5. From your own point of view what are the teachings need to be done towards this area?