Climate Change Resilience of Social Institutions in Addressing Gender-Based Violence: A Multi-Stakeholder Analysis in Chiredzi District, Zimbabwe  

Catherine Murumewangu¹, Hope Jaricha²

¹ Peace and Security Practitioner, Young Advocates Development Trust, Karoi, Zimbabwe.

² Lecturer, Department of Social Work, Julius Nyerere School of Social Sciences, Great Zimbabwe University, Zimbabwe. 

Abstract

Climate change has increasingly intensified socio-economic vulnerabilities, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups, particularly women and girls. In Zimbabwe’s Chiredzi District, the interplay between climate-induced shocks and social inequalities has heightened the risk of gender-based violence (GBV), challenging the capacity of local social institutions to respond effectively. This study examines the climate change resilience of social institutions in addressing GBV, adopting a multi-stakeholder approach that incorporates perspectives from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, community leaders, and affected populations. Through qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, the research explores the preparedness, adaptive strategies, and collaborative mechanisms employed by institutions to mitigate GBV in the context of climate stressors. Findings reveal that while social institutions demonstrate adaptive capacities through community engagement and policy frameworks, gaps remain in coordination, resource mobilization, and integration of gender-sensitive climate strategies. The study underscores the need for strengthened institutional frameworks that enhance both climate resilience and protection against GBV, emphasizing inclusive policy-making, capacity-building, and cross-sector collaboration. This research contributes to understanding how social institutions can effectively respond to overlapping challenges of climate change and gender-based violence, offering insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars in Zimbabwe and similar socio-environmental contexts.     

Keywords: Climate change resilience, Social institutions, Gender-based violence, Multi-stakeholder analysis, Adaptive capacity   

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